HANDLING, DISPOSAL, CLOTHING DECONTAMINATION AND HEALTH HAZARDS OF SOME PESTICIDES

Margaret-Ann Armour*, Mui Chang, Carolyn Nelson, Kristina Boates, Paula Sather, Yevgenia Briker, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2G and Elizabeth M. Crown, Katherine B. Rigakis and Nancy Kerr, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada  T6G 2M8

*Contact author:
Margaret-Ann Armour, Associate Dean of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta T6G 2G2
E-mail:  Margaret-ann.armour@ualberta.ca
Fax:       780 492 8231
Tel:        780 492 3512

Topic:  Pesticides and Human Health
Key words:  pesticides; human health risks; pesticide-contaminated clothing; handling of spills and waste pesticides

Users of pesticides, especially chlorinated compounds, are exposed to health risks, both from contact with the pesticide by inhalation or skin absorption and from wearing clothing which has been contaminated with the pesticide.  As part of our research into the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and the related health hazards, we have investigated the decontamination of protective clothing worn during handling of the pesticides and have found that simple laundering does not always remove all of the pesticide residue.  This can result in dermal exposure from the pesticide-contaminated clothing.  To determine the best laundering procedures for removing pesticide residues from clothing, test specimens of cotton and 50:50 cotton:polyester fabrics were prepared, contaminated with both concentrated pesticide and field strength dilution and laundered, all in an accepted standard manner.  Some samples were pretreated before laundering with 0.4% chlorine bleach solution or with Spray'n Wash_.  The specimens were extracted with solvent and the concentration of residual pesticide determined by gas chromatography or by high performance liquid chromatography. Appropriate methods of laundering clothing which has been contaminated with both concentrated and field strength solutions of diazinon, captan, chlorpyrifos, iprodione and 2,4-D ester have been determined and will be described. Spills of pesticides, especially in enclosed spaces such as greenhouses, also pose a health hazard to workers.  We have investigated procedures for handling spills and small waste quantities of these pesticides and converting them to non-toxic products. For example, we have followed the rates of oxidative degradation of some commonly used pesticides including those listed earlier in connection with contaminated clothing, and where possible, have identified the products. Where the mixture and small quantities of the products made the identification impractical, the products have been assessed for their toxicity and mutagenicity.  .From the results it has been possible to suggest methods for the deactivation of spills and waste quantities of the pesticides.