Risk assessment of farmers handling pelleted seeds containing crystalline silica and attapulgite.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the risk to farmers from handling pelleted seeds that include crystalline silica and attapulgite.

Methods: We measured personal exposure levels to respirable crystalline silica and attapulgite in the experimenter representing a farmer in a simulated workplace. From these values, the annual occupational exposure levels were estimated and compared with the established occupational exposure limits.