The aim of the present study was a) to quantify exposure in the application of pesticides on potatoes with a conventional sprayer on sloped areas, b) to determine the areas of the body where workers are most exposed, c) to assess the effectiveness of protective measures both individual and collective, and d) to classify the working conditions with regard to work safety in the recommended use of pesticides registered for this crop. The following results were obtained. The greatest occupational exposure occurred via the dermal route. The worker was found to have the greatest exposure when using a crop sprayer. The Knapik was the most efficient collective safety measure in controlling exposure of the worker, while the Roupa Unesp was the most efficient individual safety measure. The worker's legs were the area of the body most exposed to the spray. Without utilizing any of the safety measures evaluated, all of the 54 recommendations for the application of pesticides on this crops would be classified as unsafe for the worker. However, when the sprayer prototype with manual boom was used, only two turned out to be safe, whereas only three with the Knapik sprayer, nine with the AZR, and 16 with the Roupa Unesp.
pesticide; occupational exposure; intoxication hazard; potato
