Article Text

Download PDFPDF

859 Occupational exposure to acephate among oil palm plantation workers: glove permeation study
Free
  1. I Ismail1,
  2. MNF Roslan1,
  3. MIS Saharuddin1,
  4. Isa KAM2
  1. 1Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  2. 2Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction Spills or splash during mixing, loading and application organophosphate insecticide may entail significant dermal exposure to agricultural workers. Although gloves are religiously worn, the level of chemical protection afforded by these gloves is unclear. In this study, the influence of exposure temperature and duration on glove permeation were investigated for acephate, an organophosphate insecticide used for trunk injection on oil palm trees. Potential contamination on the skin of the workers was also investigated.

Methods Nitrile gloves used by oil palm plantation workers during trunk injection were tested at room temperature and elevated temperature (45°C), using standard permeation cells. Skin wipe samples were collected from the face and hands of the workers to examine whether acephate still contaminated their skin. Chemicals analysis was via HPLC-UV.

Results Higher maximum flux and greater cumulative permeation of acephate were observed over the 4 hour exposure period. Gloves with 5% simulated abrasion showed reduced performance compared to new gloves. Contamination on the face and hands of the workers were minimal.

Conclusion Limited protection is provided by gloves, even for diluted acephate, especially at 45°C. The findings indicate the need for more suitable gloves, with frequent change, especially when working in warmer conditions and where abrasion is observed on the gloves. While workers behaviour was good, emphasis on the correct techniques of glove removal may assist in avoiding transfer of contaminants.

  • dermal exposure
  • temperature
  • abrasion

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.