Insecticide residues on hands: assessment and modeling with video observations of determinants of exposure--a study among subsistence farmers in nicaragua.

This investigation quantitatively assessed hand residues of chlorpyrifos and methamidophos in a field setting and sought to explain the residues through application volume and determinants of exposure using application data for 28 subsistence farmers in the Pacific Region of Nicaragua. Hand residues were estimated by recovery of the pesticides by standardized wipe sampling for both hands, analyzed with solvent extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Application volumes were based on data on individual spraying rates and mixing volumes.

Reliability of a visual scoring system with fluorescent tracers to assess dermal pesticide exposure.

Background And Objectives: We modified Fenske's semi-quantitative 'visual scoring system' of fluorescent tracer deposited on the skin of pesticide applicators and evaluated its reproducibility in the Nicaraguan setting.

Methods: The body surface of 33 farmers, divided into 31 segments, was videotaped in the field after spraying with a pesticide solution containing a fluorescent tracer. A portable UV lamp was used for illumination in a foldaway dark room.