Forest worker exposure to airborne herbicide residues in smoke from prescribed fires in the Southern United States

Abstract

Occupational safety and health concerns have been raised in a number of southern states by workers conducting prescribed burns on forested lands treated with herbicides. Modeling assessments coupled with laboratory experiments have shown that the risk of airborne herbicide residues to workers is insignificant, even if the fire occurs immediately after herbicide application. However, no field studies have been conducted to confirm these findings. To bridge that gap, a field validation study was conducted in Georgia to measure breathing zone concentrations of smoke suspended particulate matter (SPM), herbicide residues, and carbon monoxide (CO) on 14 operational prescribed fires.

Citation

McMahon, Charles K.; Bush, Parshall B. 1992. Forest worker exposure to airborne herbicide residues in smoke from prescribed fires in the Southern United States. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 53(4): 265-272.