Inhalation exposure. Non- occupational inhalation exposure is not likely to pose a hazard. This determination is based on the pulmonary study which demonstrated that the pesticidal active ingredient is neither toxic nor infective to mammals when instilled into rats intratracheally (see Unit III.2., above). As discussed above, pesticide drift is expected to be minimal based on the granular nature of the pesticide, and on a formulation in which the active ingredient is expected to adhere to the carrier, primarily hulled barley. In addition, the low application rate (approximately or less than 0.002 pound or 1 gram active ingredient per acre) to the commercial and agricultural crop, peanut, and the method of soil application suggest minimal exposure potential. The low pulmonary and oral toxicity/pathogenicity potential, indicate that non-occupational inhalation exposure and risk are likely to be no greater than that which normally exists. Furthermore, Aspergillus species occur naturally in the environment and the application of this pesticide is expected to displace the aflatoxin- producing strains of the fungi, thus decreasing risks posed by the public health hazard, aflatoxins.
Inhalation exposure. The conceptual model for inhalation exposure is presented in Figure 7 and describes how the application of a plant protection product can eventually result in inhalation exposure. The application of a PPP will not only result in a contamination of the crop and the soil, but also in a contamination of the air compartment. The initial concentration of the substance in the air is mainly determined by the vapour, droplet and/or dust drift resulting from the application itself. During the re-entry interval, the concentration in the air will decrease due to processes such as degradation and dispersion. Volatilisation from the crop and soil and re- suspension of dust may on the contrary contribute to the concentration in the air. Inhalation exposure is the result of inhaling the contaminated air during re-entry activities and is mainly determined by the concentration of the substance in the air, the breathing rate and the duration of exposure. From the lungs, the substance can be absorbed into the body of the worker.
