Measurement of Pesticides in Air During Application to Lawns, Trees, and Shrubs in Urban Environments

Airborne levels of pesticides and formulation ingredients were measured during and following the mixing, loading, or application of pesticides and fertilizers. Air sampling was conducted according to procedures described in the OSHA Industrial Hygiene Technical Manual. Samples consisted of breathing zone air of pesticide applicators, indoor air of pesticide warehouse facilities and offices, indoor air of residential properties and ambient air of residential properties. Approximately 500 samples were taken in 14 cities in the United States and Canada. Breathing zone airborne pesticide measurements were made for 200 pesticide applicators. Indoor air measurements were made in 82 homes and outdoor ambient air measurements were made at 55 of the homesites. The analytes measured were; acephate, atrazine, ammonia, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, diazinon, dicofol, MCPA, pendimethalin and xylene. Monitoring results indicated that most samples (80 percent) were below detectable limits of .001 mg/M3. Where analytes were detected, the time-weighted average concentration was less than 10 percent of any established standard.