Operator exposure and cabin protection in plant protection product application

• DOI: 10.1007/s00003-024-01531-7
• Publication Date: 2024-11-12T17:52:36Z
• Authors: Gabor Molnar; Katrin Ahrens; Jens Karl Wegener; Sebastian Dittmar; Enrico Peter; Sabine Martin; Jan-Niklas Schäck...; Markus Röver
• Keywords: Operator (biology)

Abstract Tightly sealed driver's cabs can effectively protect the user from exposure when applying crop protection products. Therefore, under certain conditions, users in such cabins avoid wearing personal protective equipment for skin and eyes. The effect depends on technical design handling of different cabin types be divided into categories with levels protection. Since level associated possibility not has been sufficiently scientifically verified past, present study was carried out to close this gap. Field laboratory test methods were developed used assess levels. External contamination measured using various dosimeters. Exposure inside coveralls gloves measure dermal aerosol sampling pumps determine inhalation exposure. Tests conducted tractors cab an air-assisted orchard sprayer as a worst-case scenario spray drift. Additionally, alternative method evaluate filter efficiency controlled conditions compare it field tests. results showed that closed generally low notably correlated category. All tested found provide significant