Evaluation by environmental monitoring of pesticide absorption in farm workers of 18 Italian tomato cultivations

Tornato cultivation farms of Soutbern Italy were investigated in order to evaluate tbe generai working conditions and tbe levels of exposure of farm workers to pesticides, during tbe mixinglloading and tbe application of pesticides on fields. Information on working modalities, personal protective equipment, etc. was collected using a questionnaire. Inbaling and cutaneous exposure levels were measured, and tbe estimated pesticide total absorbed dose was compared witb Admissible Daily Intakes (ADIs). Field treatments were mainly carried out by using sprayers witb open cab tractors, and, in 57 ~9% of cases, tbe pesticide mixture was manually prepared by mixing pesticides in a paU, often witbout using gloves (59.5%). Tbe estimated pesticides absorbed doses varied in tbe range 0.56-2630.31 mg (mean value, 46.9 mg), and 20% of tbe measured absorbed doses exceeded ADIs. Tbe findings obtained in tbe 18 examined farms sbow a worrying situation, suggesting tbe investigation of many more farms, so tbat a statistically significant picture of tornato cultivations in Soutbern Italy could be formed. Besides, tbe planning of training courses aimed to increase workers consciousness about bealtb risks and bow tbey can be prevented is advisable