MP5 Agrochemicals and Pesticides
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(BRO-1117-731252) Are doormats effective in reducing a source of pesticide contamination in the home?

Ganser, L¹, Brown, A², ¹ Marine-Estuarine Environmental Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, US² Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, US

ABSTRACT- Pesticide use is extensive in US agricultural as pesticides aid workers by increasing yields and farming efficiency. While pesticides are an aid to workers, they may also pose a risk to workers' health and the environment. As many farm homes are close to the pesticide application sites, opportunity for track-in and indirect exposure to pesticides exists. Previous studies have detected pesticide residues in homes located in agricultural and non-agricultural areas. This project examined the recommended practice of placing doormats in home entryways to reduce indirect pesticide exposure by decreasing track-in. For this project, five types of doormats with different fiber content were chosen with multiple samples taken for each mat type. The mats were contaminated with an indicator pesticide and then laundered to determine the extent of pesticide residue removed by laundering. Laundering is typically used to remove pesticide residues from clothing. So that any residues do not continue to be tracked in, laundering is also recommended for doormats. The indicator pesticide was removed to varying degrees in the various doormats. After determining the differences in pesticide decontamination through laundering among doormats, recommendations on use and laundering of doormats were established. The recommended procedures will be provided to agricultural workers through pesticide safety conferences and Extension publications.

Key words: pesticide, residue, contamination