Applicator exposure to 2,4‐D, dicamba, and a dicamba isomer

Abstract

Potential respiratory and dermal exposure to applicators were estimated in a ground boom spray application of 2,4‐D and dicamba. Time‐weighted averages for airborne herbicide residues did not exceed 2.2 ug/cu.m. in the cabs of application vehicles allowing only minor respiratory exposure. Dermal exposure was important as relatively large amounts of 2,4‐D (1.2–18 mg) and dicamba (0.32–6.6 mg) were rinsed from applicators’ hands. Urine analysis showed that the maximum elimination of herbicides occurred between 16 and 40 h after terminating exposure. A dicamba isomer (20% of the active material in the commercial formulation) was excreted in higher concentrations than dicamba in applicators’ urine suggesting different toxicokinetic properties for the two compounds.

Key words:

• Dicamba
• 2,4‐D,
• Applicator Exposure
• Formulation

Notes

Present address: Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory Department of Entomological Sciences University of California Berkeley, CA 94720