Hazard Identification a. What types of adverse health effects might be caused by

Question

Hazard Identification a. What types of adverse health effects might be caused by the problem? b. How quickly and for what duration might the problem be experienced?

Illness Associated with Drift of Chloropicrin Soil Fumigant into a Residential Area-Kern County, California, 2003 Chloropicrin is the fourth most commonly used soil fumigant in California. Exposure to chloropicrin causes eye and respiratory tract irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. . . . This report describes an investigation by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and the Kern County Agriculture Commissioner (KCAC) into illnesses associated with the offsite drift of chloropicrin in Kern County. A total of 165 persons experienced symptoms consistent with chloropicrin exposure. The find- nderscore health risks associated with fumigants and the usefulness of procedures adopted in California to ensure both prompt identification of exposure events and timely notification of the affected public. On October 3, 2003, an agricultural pest control service began applying 100% chloropicrin at a concentration of 80 pounds/acre to 34 acres of fallow land in Kern County. Chloropicrin was injected 17-18 inches into the soil; a weighted board was used to compact the soil, treating 18 acres. That evening, residents living one quarter mile west of the application site experienced irritant symptoms. The Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) was contacted to investigate; however, darkness, distance from the treated field, and absence of chloropicrin odor prevented firefighters from identifying the source of the irritation. Records from a weather station approximately 7 miles southeast of the application site indicated low wind speeds and stable atmospheric conditions but also that the wind direction had changed that evening, blowing from the field toward the residential dwellings The next day, chloropicrin was applied to the remaining 16 acres. A 60-foot, chloropicrin-free buffer was maintained around the perimeter of the field because workers noted a persistent odor when they arrived. Residents one quarter mile west and south of the field complained about irritant symptoms that evening. Residents notified KCFD; several responding firefighters experienced eye irritation. The wind had changed again that evening and begun blowing from the field toward the residential dwellings. Suspecting a pesticide release, KCFD notified KCAC. The field was recompacted, and the odor ceased On October 6, KCAC notified CDPR about the incident. KCAC and CDPR conducted in-person interviews at 35 households located approximately one quarter mile west and south of the field and at a day care center; additional interviews were con- ducted on October 15. The 35 households and day care center had a total of 172 persons present during the exposure period. Representatives from each household and the day care center were interviewed by using a standardized questionnaire. . .. In ewed to identif addit ve wo olved with the fumiga we estioned informa nd KCFD on determined that 165 persons reported symptoms compatible with il opi the rly all (99%) had i persistent respiratory symptoms whe nge: 3 months-63 ye symptoms (e.g., eye or uppe ry nine (5% ewe was limited be the ed health i Source: Ad reprinted from the Centers for Disease Co California, 2003 nd Pre VR. 2004;53:740 ropicrin soi

Explanation / Answer

Chloropicrin is absorbed systematically through inhalation,ingestion and the skin. It prominently irritates the lungs,eyes and skin. Effects on exposure:

Eye exposure: painful irritation, tear production and eye damage.

Ingestion: burns mouth, esophagus and stomach causing stomach pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting.

Inhalation : cough, choking, staples, feeling tightness in the chest, pulmonary edema and possible respiratory arrest.

Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension,anxiety and Cynthia.

Skin : blisters, bluish discoloration of skin.

The effects start to show up as symptoms as soon as it is inhaled or ingested. Initial irritation resolves within 15-30minutes following decontamination. Gastrointestinal system symptoms may persist for weeks. Neurological and musculoskeletal effects may persist from weeks to months.

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