PMEP Home Page --> Pesticide Use Information for New York State --> NAPIAP Survey - Dairy Cattle - 1997 --> Part II




Part II: Personal Protective Equipment Use
by Dairy Cattle Producers
in New York





Results and Discussion


          The 1997 dairy survey included a section on personal protective equipment (PPE). We were interested in obtaining information from dairy producers about what they were wearing while applying livestock and premise pesticides. Also, we were interested in whether or not they were taking any special precautions and if they had experienced any symptoms from pesticide exposure.

          One hundred and twenty six dairy producers completed the PPE section of the survey questionnaire. This number is less than the number who filled out the pesticide use part of the survey.

          Table 33 illustrates which types of work clothing were worn when handling livestock and premise pesticides. Dairy producers indicated they "nearly always" wore a combination of baseball-style cap, jeans/work trousers, leather shoes, long-sleeved shirt, socks, undershirt, and undershorts. The highest percentage (40.5%) of producers "rarely or never wore" canvas shoes. Cotton or canvas gloves were "worn occasionally depending on the weather" (30.2%). Twenty-three and eight tenths percent of dairy producers reported wearing insulated coveralls "occasionally depending on the weather." An equal percentage indicated that they "rarely or never wore them." A percentage (21.4%) also indicated that they wore leather gloves "depending on the weather," while 20.6% stated that they "rarely or never wore" leather gloves. Overalls (22.2%), short-sleeved shirt (31.0%), and work coat or jacket (45.2%) were all selected as "worn occasionally depending on the weather." Thirty-one percent of dairy producers indicated that they "rarely or never wore" woven coveralls.

          Table 34 illustrates which types of PPE were worn when dairy producers handled pesticides. A percentage of dairy producers "nearly always" wore chemically-resistant gloves and rubber boots, 47.6% and 42.9% respectively. Producers indicated that they "rarely or never wore" most of the PPE that was listed in the survey questionnaire. A percentage (22.2%) felt that dust/mist respirators were unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides they applied.








Table 33. Work Clothing Worn When Handling Pesticides

Item of Clothing Frequency of Wear # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)


Baseball style cap No answer 17 13.5%


Nearly always wear 81 64.3%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 11 8.7%


Rarely or never wear 7 5.6%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 10 7.9%


Canvas shoes No answer 44 34.9%


Nearly always wear 2 1.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 6 4.8%


Rarely or never wear 51 40.5%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 19 15.1%


Cotton/canvas gloves No answer 36 28.6%


Nearly always wear 15 11.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 38 30.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 3 2.4%


Rarely or never wear 23 18.3%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 11 8.7%


Insulated coveralls No answer 41 32.5%


Nearly always wear 1 0.8%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 30 23.8%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 3 2.4%


Rarely or never wear 30 23.8%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 21 16.7%


Jeans/Work trousers No answer 12 9.5%


Nearly always wear 102 81.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 3 2.4%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 2 1.6%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 7 5.6%


Leather gloves No answer 35 27.8%


Nearly always wear 20 15.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 27 21.4%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 3 2.4%


Rarely or never wear 26 20.6%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 15 11.9%


Leather shoes No answer 15 11.9%


Nearly always wear 89 70.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 7 5.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 1 0.8%


Rarely or never wear 4 3.2%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 10 7.9%


Long sleeved shirt No answer 18 14.3%


Nearly always wear 53 42.1%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 34 27.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 8 6.3%


Rarely or never wear 3 2.4%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 10 7.9%


Overalls No answer 35 27.8%


Nearly always wear 16 12.7%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 28 22.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 5 4.0%


Rarely or never wear 29 23.0%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 13 10.3%


Short sleeved shirt No answer 35 27.8%


Nearly always wear 23 18.3%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 39 31.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 7 5.6%


Rarely or never wear 12 9.5%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 10 7.9%


Socks No answer 17 13.5%


Nearly always wear 100 79.4%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 1 0.8%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 8 6.3%


Undershirt/T-shirt No answer 14 11.1%


Nearly always wear 87 69.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 10 7.9%


Rarely or never wear 4 3.2%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 11 8.7%


Undershorts/Long johns No answer 24 19.0%


Nearly always wear 68 54.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 10 7.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 1 0.8%


Rarely or never wear 8 6.3%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 15 11.9%


Work coat or jacket No answer 36 28.6%


Nearly always wear 11 8.7%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 57 45.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 5 4.0%


Rarely or never wear 3 2.4%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 14 11.1%


Woven coveralls No answer 41 32.5%


Nearly always wear 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 17 13.5%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 4 3.2%


Rarely or never wear 39 31.0%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 21 16.7%








Table 34. Personal Protective Equipment Worn When Handling Pesticides

Item of PPE Frequency of Wear # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)


Chemically resistant apron No answer 30 23.8%


Nearly always wear 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 13 10.3%


Rarely or never wear 45 35.7%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 34 27.0%


Chemically resistant



coveralls No answer 32 25.4%


Nearly always wear 2 1.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 8 6.3%


Rarely or never wear 49 38.9%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 35 27.8%


Chemically resistant gloves No answer 12 9.5%


Nearly always wear 60 47.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 16 12.7%


Rarely or never wear 15 11.9%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 19 15.1%


Dust/mist respirator No answer 27 21.4%


Nearly always wear 21 16.7%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 24 19.0%


Rarely or never wear 22 17.5%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 28 22.2%


Face shield No answer 36 28.6%


Nearly always wear 2 1.6%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 4 3.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 17 13.5%


Rarely or never wear 37 29.4%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 30 23.8%


Full-face chemical cartridge



respirator No answer 33 26.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 3 2.4%


Rarely or never wear 48 38.1%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 42 33.3%


Goggles No answer 25 19.8%


Nearly always wear 20 15.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 3 2.4%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 25 19.8%


Rarely or never wear 30 23.8%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 23 18.3%


Half-face chemical cartridge



respirator No answer 26 20.6%


Nearly always wear 9 7.1%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 14 11.1%


Rarely or never wear 39 31.0%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 38 30.2%


Hardhat No answer 35 27.8%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 4 3.2%


Rarely or never wear 48 38.1%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 39 31.0%


Nonwoven coveralls No answer 30 23.8%


Nearly always wear 5 4.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 3 2.4%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 9 7.1%


Rarely or never wear 45 35.7%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 34 27.0%


Powered air-purifying



respirator No answer 36 28.6%


Nearly always wear 1 0.8%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 4 3.2%


Rarely or never wear 45 35.7%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 40 31.7%


Rubber boots No answer 14 11.1%


Nearly always wear 54 42.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 21 16.7%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 11 8.7%


Rarely or never wear 12 9.5%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 14 11.1%


Safety glasses No answer 28 22.2%


Nearly always wear 22 17.5%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 5 4.0%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 18 14.3%


Rarely or never wear 30 23.8%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 23 18.3%


Wide-brimmed plastic/rubber



hat No answer 33 26.2%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 2 1.6%


Rarely or never wear 52 41.3%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 39 31.0%


Woven coveralls over work



clothes No answer 34 27.0%


Nearly always wear 8 6.3%


Wear occasionally depending on the weather 15 11.9%


Wear occasionally depending on the pesticide 2 1.6%


Rarely or never wear 40 31.7%


Unnecessary for the kinds of pesticides I apply 27 21.4%






Table 35 indicates PPE worn by dairy producers during mixing and loading of pesticides. Chemically-resistant gloves (60.3%), rubber boots (46.8%) and goggles (30.5%) were the items most used. The least indicated PPE were dust masks (0.8%) and arm covering (0.8%). Twenty-nine respondents (23%) indicated that they do not mix pesticides.


Table 35. PPE Worn During the Mixing and Loading of Pesticides

PPE # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Chemically resistant apron 7 5.6%

Chemically resistant coveralls/rain gear 17 13.5%

Chemically resistant gloves 76 60.3%

Cover over arms 1 0.8%

Do not mix pesticides 29 23.0%

Dust mask 1 0.8%

Dust/mist respirator 21 16.7%

Face shield 6 4.8%

Goggles 41 32.5%

Half-face chemical cartridge respirator 16 12.7%

Leather boots 1 0.8%

Nonwoven (limited-use) coveralls 8 6.3%

Rubber boots 59 46.8%

Safety glasses 22 17.5%

Wide-brimmed plastic/rubber hat 2 1.6%

Workclothes 1 0.8%

Woven coveralls over work clothes 9 7.1%




Total: 317





Table 36 indicates the type of material of outer clothing worn most often when applying or mixing/loading pesticides. The highest percentage (41.1%) indicated cotton material. Cotton/polyester blend was the next highest (25.0%). Limited-use/disposable and waterproof rubber or plastic were the least selected material, 8.9% each. A percentage (16.1%) indicated that they did not know what material their outer clothing was made from.


Table 36. Material of Outer Clothing Most Often Worn

Material # of
Responses		 % of
Records

Cotton 51 41.1%

Cotton/polyester blend 31 25.0%

Limited-use or disposable 11 8.9%

Water-proof rubber/plastic 11 8.9%

Don't know 20 16.1%




Total: 124





Table 37 indicates the number of hours limited-use garments were worn before discarding. There were only 34 respondents to this question. The most respondents selected eight hours (23.5%), followed by ten hours (5 respondents, or 14.7%).


Table 37. Hours Limited-Use Garments are Worn Before Discarding


Mean Value: 6.46 Hours

Hours # of Records

1 4

2 4

3 1

3.5 1

4 3

5 2

6 2

7.5 1

8 8

10 5

13.5 1

16 2

Total: 34





Table 38 illustrates the method of disposal for discardable PPE. The method most often used was burning (33.3%) followed by landfill (17.5%). The least used method for disposal was burying (1.6%). A percentage (7.1%) indicated that they didn't know how they disposed of their discardable PPE.


Table 38. Methods Used to Discard Disposable Garments

Method of Disposal # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Burn 42 33.3%

Bury 2 1.6%

Don't know 10 7.9%

Don't use 9 7.1%

Landfill 22 17.5%

Render unusable 4 3.2%




Total: 89





Table 39 indicates the number of hours that reuseable PPE clothing was worn before laundering. There were a wide range of responses from one hour all the way to 100 hours. The most frequent indication was eight hours (25 responses, or 24.3%). The next most frequent responses were 12 and 10 hours, 14.6% and 9.7% respectively.


Table 39. Hours that Refurbishable Garments are Worn Before Laundering


Mean Value: 14.57 Hours

Hours # of Records

1 3

2 7

3 3

4 5

4.5 1

6 2

7 2

8 25

9 3

10 10

12 15

14 2

16 3

18 2

20 2

24 6

25 1

30 1

36 1

40 2

48 3

50 1

60 1

96 1

100 1

Total: 103





Table 40 indicates the facilities used to launder pesticide-contaminated clothing. A majority of dairy producers indicated they used the family washer and laundered pesticide-contaminated clothing separate from family clothes (85.7%). Fifteen respondents (11.9%) indicated that they washed pesticide contaminated clothing along with family clothes. One respondent indicated they had a separate facility reserved for washing pesticide-soiled clothing. The steps used to launder pesticide-contaminated clothing varied (Table 41). A percentage (41.3%) of respondents did not wash contaminated clothing more than once before drying. A majority of applicators indicated that they washed clothing in hot or warm water rather than cold (65.1%). Thirty-eight and one tenth percent did not pre-soak or rinse before washing with detergent, while 44.4% of respondents line-dried their PPE clothing outdoors. About half (44.4%) of respondents did not rinse or clean washer after laundering PPE clothing.


Table 40. Facilities Used to Launder Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing

Facility # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Don't know 1 0.8%

Family washer separate from family clothes 108 85.7%

Family washer with family clothes 15 11.9%

Grower's special facilities reserved for pesticide-soiled clothing 1 0.8%




Total: 125







Table 41. Steps Used to Launder Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing

Step Response # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)


Clean washer after laundering by running Yes 30 23.8%

a complete but empty cycle No 56 44.4%


Don't know 18 14.3%


No answer 22 17.5%


Line-dry outdoors Yes 56 44.4%


No 29 23.0%


Don't know 17 13.5%


No answer 24 19.0%


Presoak or rinse before washing with Yes 42 33.3%

detergent No 48 38.1%


Don't know 15 11.9%


No answer 21 16.7%


Wash in hot or warm water rather than Yes 82 65.1%

cold No 16 12.7%


Don't know 15 11.9%


No answer 13 10.3%


Wash more than once before drying Yes 41 32.5%


No 52 41.3%


Don't know 11 8.7%


No answer 22 17.5%






Table 42 indicates maintenance practices for chemical cartridge respirators and eyewear by dairy producers. A majority of respondents indicated that they did not wear respirators or protective eyewear, 50.0% and 33.3% respectively. Of those dairy producers who did wear respirators or protective eyewear, 24.6% rinsed components with clean water. Twenty-two and two tenths percent hand washed parts separately with detergent, and 20.6% hung parts to air-dry. The least number of respondents (4.8%) hung their respirator or protective eyewear outside of barn until needed. One respondent indicated they disposed of the protective equipment instead of maintaining.


Table 42. Maintenance of Chemical Cartridge Respirators and Protective Eyewear

Maintenance Practice # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Hand-wash parts separately with detergent 28 22.2%

Wipe parts clean with a towel or rag 16 12.7%

Rinse with clear water 31 24.6%

Wipe dry 19 15.1%

Hang (air) dry 26 20.6%

Store in a zip-closable plastic bag 13 10.3%

Store in original box 13 10.3%

Hang outside of barn until needed 6 4.8%

Test fit prior to wearing 14 11.1%

Do not wear cartridge respirators 63 50.0%

Do not wear protective eyewear 42 33.3%

Disposable 1 0.8%




Total: 272





Table 43 illustrates the frequency of replacement of respirator cartridges. A majority of the respondents indicated that they do not wear cartridge respirators (56.3%). Of those producers who do wear respirators, 23.0% replace them seasonally. Seven and nine tenths percent indicated that they replaced respirators when odors were detectable.


Table 43. Frequency of Replacement of Respirator Cartridges

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

About every 8 hrs. 1 0.8%

Daily 6 4.8%

Depends on spray and weather conditions 1 0.8%

Do not wear cartridge respirators 71 56.3%

Seasonally 29 23.0%

Time according to degree of exposure/use 1 0.8%

Weekly 3 2.4%

When breathing becomes difficult 3 2.4%

When odors are detectable 10 7.9%




Total: 125





Table 44 indicates the frequency of replacement of chemical-resistant gloves. A percentage (42.1%) of the respondents indicated that they replace gloves when a leak is detectable. Thirty-four and nine tenths percent indicated they replaced gloves seasonally. A significant percentage of dairy producers do not wear chemically-resistant gloves (21.4%).


Table 44. Frequency of Replacement of Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

When a leak is detectable 53 42.1%

Weekly 6 4.8%

Monthly 3 2.4%

Seasonally 44 34.9%

Do not wear chemically-resistant gloves 27 21.4%

After each use 1 0.8%

Depends on condition 1 0.8%

Use disposable gloves 3 2.4%




Total: 138





Table 45 illustrates the frequency of replacement of work clothing. A majority of respondents indicated they replace work clothing when it wears out (84.1%). Twenty-one and four tenths percent indicated they replaced work clothing if contaminated by a pesticide spill.


Table 45. Frequency of Replacement of Work Clothing

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

When it wears out 106 84.1%

Annually 5 4.0%

If contaminated by pesticide spill 27 21.4%

Seasonally 9 7.1%

When afforded 1 0.8%

When necessary 1 0.8%




Total: 149





Table 46 indicates PPE storage practices by dairy producers. The majority of respondents kept their PPE in a pesticide storage area (23.8%) or at home (22.2%).


Table 46. PPE Storage Practices

Practice # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

At home 28 22.2%

Barn 1 0.8%

Cabinet and tool box 1 0.8%

Do not store PPE 1 0.8%

Do not wear PPE 10 7.9%

In dressing/changing area with no shower 8 6.3%

In dressing/changing area with shower 2 1.6%

In garage 2 1.6%

In old fridge 1 0.8%

In pesticide storage area 30 23.8%

In the shop 2 1.6%

In vehicle 1 0.8%

No specific clothing used for spraying barn 1 0.8%

Separate area of barn 2 1.6%

Tool shop 1 0.8%

Use disposable PPE 2 1.6%

With other clothing items at work 14 11.1%




Total: 107





The highest percentage (28.6%) of respondents indicated they "mostly, but not always" complied with PPE requirements listed on the pesticide label (Table 47). Twenty-six and two tenths percent felt they met minimum PPE requirements, while only 15.9% felt they met more than the minimum PPE requirements. A percentage of dairy producers (11.9%) indicated they often did not wear what was required for PPE on the pesticide label.


Table 47. Compliance with Pesticide Label PPE Requirements

Response # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Yes, more than minimum requirements 20 15.9%

Yes, minimum requirements 33 26.2%

Mostly, but not always 36 28.6%

Often not 15 11.9%

Don't know 15 11.9%

No answer 7 5.6%




Total: 126





The two main reasons for dairy producers not wearing PPE (Table 48) were "protective equipment was too hot" (15.9%) and "protective equipment is too expensive" (14.3%). A significant percentage of respondents felt that "minimum requirements were too strict" or that "PPE restricts movement" (8.7%).


Table 48. Reasons for Not Wearing Minimum PPE

Reason # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Minimum requirements are too strict 11 8.7%

Protective equipment is too hot 20 15.9%

Protective equipment restricts movement 11 8.7%

Protective equipment is not available 5 4.0%

Protective equipment is too expensive 18 14.3%

Convenience 1 0.8%

Does not happen 1 0.8%

Not necessary for our situation 1 0.8%

Sprays only small amount of acreage once yearly 1 0.8%

Takes too much time 1 0.8%

Try not to use anything very dangerous 1 0.8%

We try to meet all requirements and comfort 1 0.8%




Total: 72





Table 49 indicates what resources dairy producers felt were most effective in learning about PPE. The majority of dairy producers (53.2%) felt the "Pesticide Applicator's Training Manual" was most effective. Fact sheets (38.1%), kit of sample PPE (35.7%), and PPE exhibits (33.3%) were indicated as the most effective forms of learning about PPE.


Table 49. Resources Most Likely to be Used for Learning About PPE

Resource # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Computer program 5 4.0%

Exhibit 42 33.3%

Fact sheets 48 38.1%

Kit of sample PPE 45 35.7%

Media (TV, Radio, Newspaper) 27 21.4%

Pesticide Applicator's Training Manual 67 53.2%

Pesticide label 1 0.8%

Slide set 2 1.6%

Telephone hot line 6 4.8%

Video tape 27 21.4%




Total: 270





Table 50 indicates the frequency of acute pesticide poisoning symptoms that applicators attributed to pesticide use. The majority of responses were in the "never" category for each item. Headache, fatigue, eye and skin irritation were experienced by a small minority of applicators (between 0.8-7.1%).


Table 50. Frequency of Acute Symptoms Attributed to Pesticide Use

Symptom Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)


Chest discomfort Once 1 0.8%


Never 107 84.9%


No answer 18 14.3%


Diarrhea Once 1 0.8%


Never 107 84.9%


No answer 18 14.3%


Dizziness Once 3 2.4%


Never 106 84.1%


No answer 17 13.5%


Excessive Fatigue Once 5 4.0%


2 to 3 times 1 0.8%


Never 106 84.1%


No answer 14 11.1%


Eye irritation Once 6 4.8%


2 to 3 times 3 2.4%


Never 100 79.4%


No answer 17 13.5%


General weakness Once 1 0.8%


Never 107 84.9%


No answer 18 14.3%


Headache Once 9 7.1%


2 to 3 times 6 4.8%


Never 98 77.8%


No answer 13 10.3%


Nausea Once 3 2.4%


2 to 3 times 1 0.8%


4 to 5 times 1 0.8%


Never 104 82.5%


No answer 17 13.5%


Skin irritation Once 6 4.8%


2 to 3 times 4 3.2%


4 to 5 times 1 0.8%


Never 98 77.8%


No answer 17 13.5%





Dairy producers were asked to indicate if they felt a particular brand of pesticide caused their acute poisoning symptoms (Table 51). The highest percentage (96.8%) indicated none. The only mention of a livestock pesticide was a mention of "cattle spray and mist" in which the applicator indicated "the combination of temperature and humidity" were the cause. Some non-livestock pesticides were indicated by a few respondents. They were Atrazine, Premerge and Prowl.


Table 51. Perceived Acute Symptoms Attributed to a Particular Brand of Pesticide

Product
            Why?		 # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

None 122 96.8%

Atrazine 1 0.8%

            Actually a couple of years before -- rooted
            to another product


Cattle Spray and Mist 1 0.8%

            The combination of temperature and
            humidity


Premerge 1 0.8%

Prowl 1 0.8%

            Smell or fumes





Total: 126





Table 52 illustrates the chronic symptoms pesticide applicators felt were caused by pesticide use. Ninety-six and eight tenths percent reported they did not have any chronic symptoms. Chronic symptoms indicated were breathing problems, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and nerve damage.


Table 52. Chronic Symptoms Reported by Pesticide Applicators

Symptom # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

None 122 96.8%





Breathing (slight) problem. We hire our spraying done now, but years ago I did most of the spraying without using too much protection. 1 0.8%





May have, being evaluated. Began with symptoms of rheumatiod arthritis and fibromyalgia, now appears to be affecting nerves of my body. 1 0.8%





Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 1 0.8%





Yes (no description) 1 0.8%




Total: 126


















Dairy producers were asked to indicate who sponsored their pesticide education programs (Table 53). The Cooperative Extension Service was indicated most often (79.4%). The chemical company/dealer was the only other significant response (43.7%). A small number of producers indicated their grower association (12.7%) or employer (4.8%) were responsible for training.


Table 53. Sponsors of Pesticide Education Programs

Sponsor Response # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)


Chemical company/dealer Yes 55 43.7%


No 16 12.7%


Don't know 3 2.4%


No answer 52 41.3%


Cooperative Extension Service Yes 100 79.4%


No 4 3.2%


Don't know 2 1.6%


No answer 20 15.9%


Employer Yes 6 4.8%


No 26 20.6%


Don't know 4 3.2%


No answer 90 71.4%


Grower Association Yes 16 12.7%


No 24 19.0%


Don't know 2 1.6%


No answer 84 66.7%


Other No 20 15.9%


Don't know 6 4.8%


No answer 100 79.4%






Dairy producers were asked to indicate which educational format they preferred for pesticide applicator training (Table 54). The highest number of responses indicated a regional or county training session (65.9%). Interestingly, self-study ranked second (33.3%) in responses, while county, town, or village study group (21.4%) ranked third. Satellite downlink received a small number of responses (5.6%).


Table 54. Preferred Pesticide Applicator Training Educational Formats

Format # of
Responses		 % of
Records (126)

Conference (state or regional) 7 5.6%

Training session (regional or county) 83 65.9%

Satellite downlink (county) 7 5.6%

Study group (county, town, or village) 27 21.4%

Self-study 42 33.3%

Manual 1 0.8%

People who deal with farmers and sponsor workshops locally 122 96.8%




Total: 168







Conclusions


          New York State dairy producers are wearing the recommended work clothing, but not always the right PPE when working with pesticides. Many respondents indicated that they did not feel that they had to wear PPE with the types of pesticides registered for use on dairy cattle.

          Since the 1991 dairy survey questionnaire (Partridge, et. al. 1992) did not include a personal protective equipment section, we are unable to compare results from this survey.

          The most prevalent items of PPE that were "nearly always worn" by dairy producers were chemically-resistant gloves (47.6%) and rubber boots (42.9%). Goggles or safety glasses were also being worn by a good percentage of producers. The use of full-face or half-face chemical cartridge respirators was not prevalent. Dairy producers were wearing a dust/mist respirator more often.

          Disposable garments are being worn an average of 6.5 hours before disposal. Replacement of gloves and respirator cartridges is not always being done as often as recommended. Dairy producers who did wear cartridge respirators were mostly replacing them seasonally. Chemical-resistant gloves were being replaced when a leak was detected or seasonally. Respondents indicated that they were storing their PPE within the pesticide storage area and not a separate area.

          New York dairy producers indicated they were following correct laundering procedures: washing in hot water, washing separate from family clothing, and line-drying.

          Compliance with pesticide label PPE requirements was being met by about half of the respondents (42.1%). Approximately 23.8% were often not, or didn't know if they were complying with label requirements. New York dairy producers demonstrated an interest in learning about protective equipment through resources such as exhibits, fact sheets, sample kits, training manuals or through the media. A majority of respondents attended pesticide education programs sponsored by Cooperative Extension, and stated they prefer the training session format.

          All acute or short-term symptoms associated with exposure to pesticides were not experienced by most of the dairy livestock producers surveyed. Very small numbers of applicators had experienced eye irritation, weakness, headache, and nausea or skin irritation attributed to pesticide use.



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