Pesticide Use
Pesticide Users Medical Monitoring Program
- “Use” is defined as mixing, loading, applying or otherwise handling (except in original, unopened, containers) those materials with a frequency of more than 4 days per calendar month (any part of a day counting as one day) and a volume of more than one pint (16 fl. oz) of mixed solution or one pound of dry material at any single use.
- A Class I pesticide indicates that the pesticide is highly toxic and carries the signal word, DANGER or DANGER-POISON, on its label with a skull and crossbones symbol. This is based on an oral LD50 of a trace to 50 mg/kg (a few drops to a teaspoonful), dermal LD50 of a trace to 200 mg/kg, or inhalation LC50 of a trace to 0.2 mg/l.
- A cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide is a pesticide that has potential to significantly lower the cholinesterase level resulting in nervous system malfunction. This type of pesticide will be identified as a cholinesterase inhibitor on the product label.
The deans, directors and department heads where an employee uses pesticides for the University of Florida provide the following.
- mandatory pre-exposure blood test data when not included in a preplacement health assessment;
- mandatory periodic medical monitoring;
- incident-related monitoring;
- exit blood tests;
- personal protective equipment (PPE);
- documentation of safety training to pesticide users.
The health assessment shall consist of the following.
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- Immunization: Tetanus immunization within 10 years
- Labs
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Baseline cholinesterase RBC/Plasma tests (for those using cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides)
- Pulmonary function test (for those required to wear a respirator)
Prior to the blood tests, exposure to all pesticides must be avoided for a minimum of 30 days. New employees and current employees who have the newly assigned duties of using pesticides for the University of Florida shall have their blood chemistry profile and cholinesterase baselines established during their preplacement health assessment and prior to exposure to any pesticides. If new employees were exposed in previous employment, a 30-day non-exposure period must have occurred prior to having the first blood tests for UF. Current employees who have been promoted must also have a 30- day non-exposure period before their first UF blood test.
The comprehensive metabolic panel will be used to determine deficiencies in kidney and liver functions, both of which may be consequences of pesticide exposure. The UF OCCMED Clinic may recommend an employee be excluded from tasks that may expose him/her to pesticides when liver enzyme test results indicate inadequate liver function.
Cholinesterase baselines should reflect normal levels of plasma and RBC cholinesterase, thereby allowing medical personnel to monitor recovery from exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides. Baseline cholinesterase exams shall be a minimum of 48 hours apart and no more than 14 days apart. The maximum variation between baseline exam results shall be 25%. If variation exceeds 25%, a third exam shall be submitted between 48 hours and 14 days of the second exam. The two closest results shall be averaged for the baseline.
The UF OCCMED Clinic may recommend an employee be excluded from tasks that may expose him/her to pesticides in the following situations:
- in the event of abnormally low levels of cholinesterase activity (as indicated on the report), which occurs naturally in a small segment of the population;
- in cases where there is excessive variation in baseline test results (as determined by the UF OCCMED Clinic) indicating a lack of predictability.
Medical conditions other than exposure to pesticides such as illnesses, prescription or over-the-counter medications that may affect a participant’s baseline shall be evaluated by the OF OCCMED Clinic. A new baseline may be established if medically justified.
EH&S may require the establishment of new baselines if a more appropriate method of analysis becomes available.
- every year
- upon suspected exposure
- upon termination
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- every other year
- upon suspected exposure
- upon termination of employment with UF
Cholinesterase test (for those using cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides)
– every other year
– upon suspected exposure
– upon termination
The UF OCCMED Clinic shall notify EH&S of any abnormal conditions requiring further inquiry or testing.
Revised 08/21/2020