Pesticides

Practical Solutions for Pesticide Safety

Handheld pesticide application takes place in farming and forestry work, and unintentional exposures can be common. Few evidence-based and practical solutions have been developed and shared across these industries.

Project Overview

PNASH works with farmers, educators, and researchers across the Northwest to test and develop solutions originally developed by growers and workers for themselves. We have expanded from our original airblast application systems, to now include handheld and greenhouse applications. Each solution is assessed for the goals:

Notification of Pesticide Applications to Minimize Workplace Exposures

Farmworker exposure to agricultural pesticide drift is a high priority concern for public health. In May 2014, the Washington Department of Health (WA DOH) alerted state agencies and growers of a spike in pesticide spray drift illness cases among orchard workers. Over a two-month period, approximately 60 individuals were exposed to pesticides in 15 drift events, which is equal to the number of cases that the agency normally sees over the course of an entire year.

Parkinsonism among Washington State Agricultural Pesticide Handlers

Previous human and animal studies suggest that some pesticides, including those typically applied by agricultural pesticide handlers, may increase the risk of parkinsonism (PS). This study assessed the feasibility of conducting neurological exams on active pesticide handlers, to determine the prevalence PS symptoms.
 
Epidemiological studies suggest a 49% increased risk of PS in individuals who have had chronic occupational exposure to pesticides.

Reducing Agricultural Worker Risks through New and Emerging Technologies

This project evaluated interventions designed to reduce worker exposure and risk during pesticide applications in tree fruit. Bringing together land grant universities, industry, producers, and workers, this work sought to ensure that the decision process used for adopting new pesticide products and new spray technology development includes worker health and safety.

Using IPM to Reduce Pyrethroid Pesticide Exposures in Dairy Workers

This project partners with Washington State University to reduce pesticide use in dairy operations by introducing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in these workplaces. We are working with a network of participants to develop a robust and practical IPM program that provides evidence for cost-effective interventions that can reduce pesticide usage in these farm operations.

Measurement of Farmworker OP Exposure through Protein Adducts

This completed project developed an assay to improve understanding of worker exposures to a wide range of organophosphate (OP) pesticides and advanced the method for potential use in field and clinic settings, providing rapid feedback to workers, clinicians, and physicians.
 
Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) have widespread commercial application in the U.S. and worldwide.

Improving PPE Effectiveness in Agricultural Applications

This project responds to specified PPE needs for the tree fruit and related industries in Washington State that can reduce pesticide handler exposure and potential pesticide-related illness. Three safety concerns of WA airblast pesticide applicators were addressed: 1) data-driven respirator cartridge change-out schedule, 2) field efficacy of gloves used by pesticide handlers, 3) the effectiveness of a PPE hat that could be used with PPE suits and jackets.

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