Outbreak of Omite-CR-induced dermatitis among orange pickers in Tulare County, California.

Abstract

An outbreak of dermatitis cases among 198 orange pickers employed by a Tulare County, California, packinghouse was investigated. Dermatitis was contracted by 114 (58%) of the 198 workers exposed when Omite-CR-treated fields were harvested. The dermatitis occurred predominantly in the exposed areas of the neck and chest. A dose-response association with dermatitis was suggested for Omite-CR exposure, but not for Carzol, Omite-CR + Carzol, or other pesticides. Because no violations of pesticide preharvest intervals or application rates were found, it appears that residue degradation was not given adequate consideration in the registration of Omite-CR, thus compromising the safety of the worker.

• Authors: L D Saunders, R G Ames, J B Knaak, R J Jackson
• Journal: Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association (J Occup Med) Vol. 29 Issue 5 Pg. 409-13 (May 1987) ISSN: 0096-1736 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2955086 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cyclohexanes
• Pesticide Residues
• Omite

Topics

• Agricultural Workers' Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• California
• Citrus
• Cyclohexanes (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Disease Outbreaks (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Pesticide Residues (adverse effects)