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Table 1. Concentration of methamidophos (g/cm2) on pads
collected from Groups I and II.
Group I Group II
Pad no. a Mean±SE Range Mean ±SE Range
I 0.70 ± 0.40 0-I .87 3.15± 1.41 0.20-13.86
2 26.62± 6.30 13.03-41.51 117.59± 34.21 10.26-303.60
3 10.78± 2.35 6.61-16.17 37.55± 16.98 2.91-174.68
4 1.09 ± 0.43 0.21-2.26 1.67± 0.33 0.43-2.86
5 0.34 ± 0.16 0-0.76 1.53± 0.57 0-5.08
6 1.19 ± 0.82 0-3.63 2.93 ± 1.22 0-12.51
7 0 0 0.46± 0.20 0-1.37
Total 40.72± 1.74 164.88± 7.85
a , left upper arm; 2, left lower leg; 3, left mid-thigh; 4, chest over sternum; 5, back
between shoulder blades; 6, forehead; 7, belly under clothing.
exposure. The longer duration of exposure resulted in the pesticide penetrating
the clothing and becoming absorbed on the skin pads in more of the
participating farmers. For both groups, the area of the body that received the
highest concentration of pesticide was the leg (pads 2 and 3). A sizable
reduction in dermal exposure could be achieved by covering legs and feet with
boots made of rubber or other inexpensive but pesticide-proof material.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices
The pesticide chosen by the farmers is very toxic. However, the farmers took
no special precautions during mixing or spraying. Although methamidophos
is classed as "highly hazardous," i.e., complete protective gear must be worn
during spraying operations, participants wore only their everyday clothing
and some sprayed without footwear.
After an argument and some discussion, the farmers decided to prepare the
pesticide at a concentration of 1.2 gIL, double the recommended level. Lack
of knowledge and inability to read the package label, which was in Hebrew,
contributed to the error.
The legs of farmers were most exposed and became wet from the pesticide
spray. This was especially evident when it was windy. No metering of the
pump, volume delivered by the spray gun, or distance walked was done to
optimize the amount of pesticide used.
Except for fatigue, no gross toxic symptoms were observed. However, most
of the farmers indicated that methamidophos had a "bad" effect on them
without clarifying what they meant.
We did not observe government or other extension agents during the course
of the study.
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