Abstract
Objectives
This study investigated exposure to arsenic, a carcinogenic fungicide used in wine growing.
Methods
The first phase compared urinary arsenic excretion of controls and workers exposed at the end of application. The second phase measured the increase in urinary arsenic excretion during the first day of use.
Results
A significant increase in urinary arsenic excretion was observed in arsenic applicators during the first phase. Urinary arsenic concentrations exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) exposure index in one-third of the workers. The second phase showed a significant increase in urinary arsenic excretion by the first day of application. A closed tractor cabin provided a protective effect, but the efficacy of individual protection equipment was not demonstrated.
Conclusion
This study showed the difficulties of achieving the effective protection of arsenic applicators and has led to the banning of the use of arsenic in French vineyards.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Mutualité Sociale Agricole of the Aude, Charente, Gard, Indre-et-Loire, Lot, Maine-et-Loire, Pyrenees-Orientales, Rhône and Tarn departments, the Industrial Toxicology Laboratory of St-Luc University Clinic in Brussels (Professor Haufroid and Geraldine Durand) for their contributions.
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Grillet, J.P., Adjémian, A., Bernadac, G. et al. Arsenic exposure in the wine growing industry in ten French departments. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 77, 130–135 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-003-0490-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-003-0490-1