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Pesticide Transfer Efficiency from Household Surfaces to Foods
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| Abstract: | Application of pesticides around homes presents a potential for exposure to young children. Contaminated surfaces can be contacted by children's hands or foods which could allow transfer of pesticides. The exposures caused by these contacts are uncertain because the amount of pesticide transferred is unknown. This study determined the percent transfer efficiency from household surfaces to specific food items using an isopropanol wipe and a C-18 filter contained on a dermal press sampler to quantify pesticide surface residues. Commercial aqueous formulations of the target pesticides were applied by pipette to hardwood flooring, ceramic tile and carpet. Foods were contacted with each surface for 1, 10 and 60 minutes with and without addtional force applied. Duplicate surfaces were wiped and pressed to determine the levels of pesticides available on the surfaces for transfer. Additional surfaces were contacted with bread, chicken nuggets, fries and bananas for 10 min without added force. The highest transfer efficiencies for all pesticides occurred for apples contacting hardwood flooring. Individual pesticide transfer efficiency varied significantly for each surface. For example, malathion, chlorpyrifos and isofenphos transfer efficiencies from hardwood to apple were greater than 60% and diazinon and permethrins were <15% for a contact time of 10 minutes without contact force. Minimal transfer of pesticides from carpet were measured from either wipes or foods. Generaly, increased contact time and applied contact force to the foods increased transfers of pesticides for any surface. For example, cis and transfer permethrin transfer efficiencies increased <15% to around 50% when contact force was applied. |
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| Citation: | Rohrer, C., T. Hieber, L. J. Melnyk, and M. R. Berry Jr. Pesticide Transfer Efficiency from Household Surfaces to Foods. Presented at ISEA Annual Conference, Monterey, CA, October 24-27, 2000. |
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| Contact: |
Mary P. O'Bryant - (919)-541-4871 or obriant.mary@epa.gov
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| Division: |
Microbiological & Chemical Exposure Assessment Division |
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| Branch: |
Chemical Exposure Research Branch |
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| Product Type: |
Abstrct/Oral |
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| Presented: |
10/24/2000 |
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