M.H. FULEKAR
Abstract
The study has been carried out in the pesticides formulation plants for assessment of exposure to airborne pesticides in the work environment. In a Pesticides formulation plant, the level of Benzene Hexachloride Dust (BHS) was found higher than the Recommended Exposure Limit Value (10mg/m3); although its active ingredient Lindane content was found within the limits value as prescribed in the Factories Act, 1987 in India. In a liquid formulation plant, the airborne concentration of Endosulfan, Quinolphos, Dimethoate, Monocrotophos and Cypermethrin were mentioned. Under the present working conditions, the air borne level of pesticides were found with in their limit values. The cholinesterase activity determined in the blood of workers in the formulation plant, except one worker (Cholinesterase: 75%) was found more than 87.5%. This showed that workers exposure to pesticides was within the Limit Values.