Dermal Pesticide Exposure Risk Study on Rice Spraying Activities for Gunung Pati Farmers

Abstract

 This study aims to assess the dermal exposure risk of Pesticide spraying activities among farmers in Gunungpati. The research uses a descriptive method with a semi-quantitative approach using the Dermal Risk Assessment Method (DREAM). Risk assessment was conducted on four activities: (1) pesticide measuring using bottle caps, (2) pesticide mixing with water in tanks, (3) pesticide spraying implementation, and (4) tank cleaning. The assessment evaluated exposure on nine body parts: head, upper arms, forearms, hands, front body, back, lower body, calves, and feet. Results showed the total actual dermal exposure at the job level was 40.3, categorized as moderate risk. The highest exposure was found during spraying activity (34.4 - moderate), followed by tank cleaning (2.9 - very low), Pesticide measuring (2.4 - very low), and mixing (0.45 - very low). The study recommends using complete personal protective equipment, including thick, long clothes, wide-brimmed hats, masks, eye protection, vinyl gloves, and boots to reduce dermal exposure risks. This research contributes to understanding occupational health risks in agricultural pesticide application and improving safety practices among farmers.