Dermal exposures to organophosphorus pesticides for ambulance workers - permeation through disposable gloves: findings for omethoate

Abstract

Ambulance personnel may be exposed to organophosphorus pesticides during patient handling in scenarios involving accidental or intentional poisonings. While disposable gloves are routinely worn, there appears to be a significant knowledge gap with respect to the potential for dermal exposure, and mediating this, the level of protection afforded by disposable gloves. Research was conducted to investigate the influence of organophosphorus pesticide concentration, exposure duration and temperature on the amount of chemical permeating the gloves. Omethoate, an organophosphorus pesticide typically used in horticulture and home gardens, was investigated. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) permeation cells were used to test gloves used by South Australian ambulance workers; neoprene gloves (0.07 mm thickness) and nitrile gloves (0.11 mm thickness), individually and in combination. Chemical analysis was via High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLCUV (220 nm)). It was found that gloves provided limited protection against the full strength formulated omethoate at an elevated temperature (45degreesC). Maximum flux was 1093 (+/-154.1) mu g/cm2/min (nitrile) and 132 (+/-27.9) mu g/cm2/min (neoprene) over a 4-hour exposure period, and 52 (+/-6.7) mu g/cm2/min for combined gloves. It is recommended that the current SAAS practice of combining nitrile and neoprene gloves continue, but considerations should be given on more frequent changing of gloves, especially when working in warmer conditions.