Utilizing Reduced Risk Pesticides and IPM Strategies to Mitigate Golfer Exposure and Hazard

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts quantified dermal, airborne and Dislodgeable Foliar Residues (DFR) of three reduced risk pesticides, azoxystrobin, carfentrazone-ethyl, and halofenozide. Dosimetry techniques were used to assess the exposure of volunteer golfers to these pesticides under worst-case scenarios during the play of 32 rounds of simulated golf. All exposures resulted in acquired doses significantly less than the reference doses (RfD) established for each pesticide by the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs (USEPA/OPP). The RfD is then used to calculate a hazard quotient (HQ) by dividing the acquired dose by the RfD. HQs ≤ 1.0 are indicative of a safe exposure. HQs >1.0 do not necessarily mean that the exposure is unsafe, only that the absence of adverse effects is less certain. Other findings include: