Assessment of greenhouse pesticide applicators' needs for personal protective gear (PPG)

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Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to control pest infestation, reduce potential yield losses and ensure high produce quality. However, the poisonous nature of pesticides can entail a high risk to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in US conducts risk assessments to determine the mitigation required to protect the health of applicators handling pesticides. Appropriate personal protective gear (PPG) is a basic tool for risk mitigation that can provide an effective barrier between pesticides and human body. Generally, PPG is made of thick, stiff and highly impermeable material causing heat stress, bulkiness and impaired mobility. This impacts the efficiency of the applicators along with acceptability of the protective gear, and improper use, resulting in risks of contamination. This study aimed to identify possible channels of contamination and concerns related to heat stress, fit and mobility of the existing PPG and provide suggestions for improved PPG design.

How to Cite:

Guria, S. & Park, H., (2017) “Assessment of greenhouse pesticide applicators' needs for personal protective gear (PPG)”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).