IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development and Application of an Approach for Evaluating the Exposure of Agricultural Workers to Pyrethroids

Abstract

Pyrethroids are among the most used pesticides in agriculture in Québec. During spreading or work carried out in treated areas, workers can be exposed, but very little information exists about the doses actually absorbed. This study proposes developing, validating and applying a toxicokinetic exposure evaluation approach to this type of pesticide and the risks that compromise workers’ health. The project has three steps: a kinetic study under medical surveillance on volunteers exposed to two of the most used pyrethroids, namely permethrin and cypermethrin; refinement of the toxicokinetic models; and a biological monitoring study in the work environment.

The researcher wants to identify the most hazardous activities, guide preventive actions, and formulate recommendations to limit exposure.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2010-0009
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2016
Team:
  • Michèle Bouchard (Université de Montréal)