Accomplishments to Date
The AHETF has completed an evaluation of existing studies that have been conducted world-wide. The data was reviewed by regulatory agencies for quality and applicability to a generic database.
The AHETF has also conducted two important studies. One was an open-cab airblast study that is of a very high priority with the AHETF members, grower organizations and regulatory agencies. Data in PHED shows that the head is the major site for exposure when pesticides are applied with open-cab airblast sprayers. One way of reducing this exposure is to require applicators to use closed cabs. This is not a viable option for many growers whose trees are closely spaced because the cabs cause damage to fruit. The AHETF also conducted a study in which the applicators wore personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to the head. The results indicate that head exposure can be reduced by over 95% through the use of fairly simple and unobtrusive PPE. The data from this study will have a significant effect on the risk assessments for this application method and will provide an effective mitigation option to registrants.
Another high priority for members and regulatory agencies is exposure from aerial applications in which large acreages are sprayed and large amounts of active ingredient are handled. Presently, the exposure is determined by linear extrapolation using data largely generated from low acreage applications. This study will generate scenario-specific data that will be used in future exposure estimates when large amounts of active ingredient are handled.