Pesticide Exposure of Operators from Drone Application: A Field Study with Comparative Analysis to Handheld Data from Exposure Models

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Operator exposures to pesticides of mixer/loaders (M&L) and pilots during drone application in a typical paddy rice field were measured using a tracer formulation. Median potential dermal exposures to M&L and pilot operators were 9.886 and 0.400 mg substance/kg substance handled, respectively, indicating that operator exposure was mainly during M&L (with 73% detected on the operator’s hands). M&L operator exposure was reduced by 21% by wearing one layer of certified clothing (to 7.817 mg/kg), and by a further 98% by also using Tyvec gloves (to 0.173 mg/kg). Potential and actual exposures of drone pilots were 0.400 and 0.012 mg/kg, respectively. When 75th percentiles were compared to those from publicly available handheld exposure models recommended for regulatory purposes, the use of drones for application resulted in an exposure reduction of 90–99%. In conclusion, compared to handheld spray equipment, the use of drones for pesticide application significantly reduces the operator exposure.