Persistence of Pesticides on the Hands of Some Occupationally Exposed People

Hexane hand rinsings were analyzed by electron capture and flame photometric gas-liquid chromatography for pesticide residues to determine whether these chemicals persisted on the skin long after exposure. Chlordane and dieldrin have apparently persisted on the hands of a former pest control operator for at least two years. Methoxychlor, captan, and malathion persisted for at least seven days on the hands of a fruit and vegetable grower. Parathion was found on the hands of one man two months after his last known contact with it. Endosulfan, DDD, Kelthane, Dacthal, Trithion, Imidan, and Guthion may have persisted on the hands of some exposed workers from 1 to 112 days after exposure.