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Biomedical subjects

N B Akesson

Publications and source records attributed to N B Akesson.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1980

Safety effectiveness of pesticide mixing-loading and application equipment used in 1976.

The effectiveness of currently used pesticide mixing-loading and application equipment in preventing workers from being exposed to cholinesterase (ChE) inhibiting pesticides was measured. Blood samples from workers involved in the application of pesticides in Monterey and Imperial counties of California were analyzed for ChE activity. The analyses indicated that only the mean red cell activity of mixer-loaders was significantly less than controls. Seasonal variations in ChE activity were noted for workers in Imperial County between January and August. These variations were apparently related to the toxicity of the pesticides used. A prototype, closed-transfer system used in Imperial County did not substantially reduce pesticide residues in the air around mixing-loading sites or prevent a reduction in ChE activity over that of open-transfer systems. This was attributed to inadequate training in the use of the new equipment on the part of the mixer-loaders and improperly maintained equipment. A protytype closed-transfer system used in Monterey County appeared to give some protection to mixer-loader applicators during the application season; however, the blood ChE activities of two mixer-loaders using another prototype closed system in Monterey County were severely depressed.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1980

Safety effectiveness of closed-transfer, mixing-loading, and application equipment in preventing exposure to pesticides.

Blood cholinesterase (CHE) activities and urinary dialkyl phosphate levels of five mixer-loaders and four mixer-loader applicators, using a closed-transfer system in conjunction with mixing-loading and application equipment, were monitored over a period of 18 weeks. Airborne pesticide residues in the breathing zone during mixing-loading and the transfer of concentrated liquid pesticide from their original container to mix and spray tanks were determined along with airborne residues during ground application. Blood ChE activities of the majority of the workers increased slightly during the study with increased use of toxic organophosphates and carbamates. Urinary dialkyl phosphate levels varied between 0.02 and 2.4 ppm. During the study, the blood ChE activities of two mixer-loaders decreased and dialkyl phosphate levels of 2.4 ppm were found in the urine of one worker. An investigation indicated that the workers had failed to use the provided closed-transfer system. Airborne residues from liquid pesticides during closed transfer and mixing-loading averaged 5.8 microgram/m3, while residues from dusty powders averaged 152 microgram/m3. Airborne residues during ground application averaged 3.7 microgram/m3 during the workday. Mevinphos residues on cloth patches averaged 0.2 microgram/cm2.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗