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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-92-0381-2445, Ornamental Plant Nurseries, Florida.

Hoekstra EJ; Kiefer M; Tepper A

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 92-0381-2445, 1994 Aug; :1-68

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1992-0381-2445.pdf

00224654

In response to a request from the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the EPA, a study was undertaken of possible health effects associated with the use of the benomyl (17804352) formulation Benlate-DF by nursery workers in the ornamental plant industry (SIC-0181) in Florida. An environmental exposure assessment was conducted along with biological monitoring on ten workers at five nurseries using Benlate-DF. Workers were monitored during the weighing, mixing, and application of Benlate-DF and during post application crop handling. Detectable benomyl concentrations were found on 15 of 16 cotton glove monitors worn by workers who were trimming plants in an outdoor woody ornamental nursery 46 hours after drench treatment. Detectable concentrations of benomyl were found on 15 of 18 patches placed on the outside of the clothing of mixer applicators directly handling Benlate-DF. Overall, the nursery workers had levels of the metabolite methyl-5- hydroxy-2-benzimidazole-carbamate (5-HBC) in the urine ranging from 3.0 to 87.0 micromoles/mole creatinine. The highest levels occurred in two samples taken after weighing. Lower levels were found in ten samples taken after application and mixing activities and in five samples taken after post application crop tending activities. Exposure at nurseries not currently using benomyl was minimal, if any. The authors conclude that the use of Benlate-DF may result in absorption of the active ingredient. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposure.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-92-0381-2445; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-4; Urinalysis; Fungicides; Agricultural-chemicals; Skin-exposure; Occupational-exposure; Biological-monitoring; Author Keywords: ornamental nurseries; fungicide; Benlate DF; benomyl; butyl amine; carbendazim; methyl-5-hydroxy-2-benzimidazole carbamate; 5-HBC; n-butyl isocyanate; BIC

17804-35-2

19940801

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1994

PB95-189643

A05

HETA-92-0381-2445

DSHEFS

0181

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

FL; OH