Determinants of Skin and Respiratory Exposure to Lufenuron During Spraying and Re-entry in Italian Ornamental Plants Greenhouses

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate dermal and respiratory exposure of workers to Lufenuron during spraying and re-entry on ornamental plants (stapling) in greenhouses. Potential and real skin exposure were evaluated using filter paper pads, hand contamination by washing, and respiratory exposure by personal air sampling. Dislodgeable foliar residues (DFRs) during re-entry were determined in order to calculate the dermal transfer factor (DTF). Lufenuron was analysed by liquid chromatography–mass detection. Respiratory dose (ReD) was calculated on the basis of a lung ventilation of 15–20 l min−1 and absorbed doses assuming a skin penetration of 13% and a respiratory retention of 100%. During stapling, from the dependence of exposure of hands from DFRs, the mean DTF was 0.575 cm2 h−1 (geometric mean). The ReD was 68.7–74.6 and 0.022–0.636% of the total real dose during spraying and stapling, respectively. The absorbed doses, 0.144–0.171 and 0.005–0.124 µg kg bw−1 during spraying and stapling, respectively, were less than the acceptable operator exposure level of 10 µg kg bw−1. Proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment and personal hygiene are aspects of fundamental importance on which workers must be trained. Adequate occupational hygiene studies are needed to support and verify working practices.