Greenhouse worker spraying plants with protective gear to minimize pesticide exposure

Spray Smart: How to Minimize Pesticide Exposure in Greenhouses

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A practical guide to understanding and reducing dermal exposure risks when using knapsack and trolley sprayers for indoor foliar applications."

In today's agriculture, ensuring both crop health and worker safety is paramount. A key aspect of this is understanding and mitigating the risks associated with pesticide application, particularly in controlled environments like greenhouses. Regulations require careful assessment of operator exposure to these chemicals, but existing models often fall short in accurately predicting risks in these specific indoor settings.

Traditional exposure models lack sufficient data on greenhouse applications, especially concerning the use of knapsack and trolley sprayers. To bridge this gap, a recent study in France focused on measuring actual operator dermal exposure levels in greenhouses where these sprayers are common. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) in real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into improving safety practices.

This article breaks down the study's findings, offering practical guidance for greenhouse operators, safety managers, and anyone involved in indoor pesticide application. We'll explore how different equipment and PPE impact exposure levels, and how these findings can inform better safety protocols to protect workers from harmful chemical exposure.

Understanding Dermal Exposure: Key Findings from the Greenhouse Study

Greenhouse worker spraying plants with protective gear to minimize pesticide exposure

The French study meticulously measured potential dermal exposure on various body parts, revealing a range from 936 to 14,052 micrograms per day (µg/day) for the body and head (excluding hands). Hand exposure ranged from 173 to 1762 µg/day. These figures highlight the significant potential for dermal absorption during typical greenhouse spraying activities.

PPE plays a vital role in reducing exposure, but its effectiveness depends on proper use and quality. The study found that certified coveralls and gloves significantly reduced exposure, with transfer factors (the percentage of pesticide that penetrates the PPE) of just 2.3% for coveralls and 0.8% for gloves (at the 75th percentile). This underscores the importance of investing in and correctly wearing appropriate protective gear.

Coverall Type Matters: Category III Type 4-5-6 coveralls provided substantial protection.
Glove Material: Nitrile gloves complying with EN 374-3 Standard were effective.
Proper Wear: Ensure gloves are worn over coverall cuffs for optimal protection; address any gaps in coverage.
Respirators are Crucial: Half-mask or full-face respirators with appropriate cartridges are essential to minimize inhalation risks.

The study compared actual exposure levels with predictions from a new greenhouse model developed by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). The model's predictions, particularly using the 'dense culture' scenario, closely aligned with the measured exposure levels, especially for body and head exposure. This validates the model's utility in estimating potential risks and informing preventative measures.

Practical Steps for Minimizing Pesticide Exposure in Greenhouses

Based on the study’s findings, greenhouse operators can take concrete steps to minimize worker exposure. Prioritize the use of certified PPE, including high-quality coveralls and nitrile gloves. Ensure that PPE is correctly worn and maintained, replacing damaged items promptly. Regularly train workers on proper application techniques and the importance of safety protocols.

Consider the type of spraying equipment used. While the study focused on knapsack and trolley sprayers, understanding the specific risks associated with each type of equipment is crucial. The BfR greenhouse model can be a valuable tool for estimating potential exposure levels based on different equipment and application scenarios. Implement engineering controls, such as enclosed spraying systems or improved ventilation, where feasible.

This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on pesticide safety in agriculture. By understanding the factors that influence dermal exposure and implementing appropriate preventative measures, we can create safer working environments for greenhouse operators and protect their long-term health. Further research and continuous improvement in safety practices are essential to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for agricultural workers.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00003-018-1194-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Potential Operator Dermal Exposure During Foliar Indoor Application: A Comparison Between Knapsack, Trolley Sprayer And Lance Equipment

Subject: Agronomy and Crop Science

Journal: Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Thierry Mercier, Claudia Großkopf, Sabine Martin

Published: 2018-11-15

Everything You Need To Know

What is dermal exposure, and why is it important in the context of greenhouses?

Dermal exposure refers to the amount of pesticide that comes into contact with a person's skin. The study measured the dermal exposure in greenhouses, and found significant levels, with exposure ranging from 936 to 14,052 micrograms per day (µg/day) for the body and head, excluding hands. Hand exposure ranged from 173 to 1762 µg/day. This is significant because pesticide absorption through the skin can pose health risks to workers. It is important to understand and mitigate dermal exposure to protect worker health in the greenhouse environment.

What are knapsack and trolley sprayers, and why were they the focus of the study?

Knapsack sprayers and trolley sprayers are types of equipment used for applying pesticides in greenhouses. The study specifically focused on these because they are commonly used for indoor foliar applications. Understanding exposure levels associated with these sprayers is crucial because of their potential for direct contact between the operator and the pesticide spray. The study’s findings help in developing safety protocols and highlight the importance of using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using these sprayers.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and how effective is it in reducing pesticide exposure?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes items like coveralls, gloves, and respirators, designed to protect workers from pesticide exposure. The study demonstrated that certified coveralls and nitrile gloves significantly reduced exposure levels. Coveralls had a transfer factor of 2.3%, and gloves had a transfer factor of 0.8% at the 75th percentile, indicating effective protection. This is important because PPE acts as a barrier, minimizing the amount of pesticide that can come into contact with the skin. Using the right PPE and wearing it correctly is essential to ensure worker safety. The study also mentions the importance of respirators, highlighting that these are essential to minimize inhalation risks.

What was the purpose of the study conducted in France, and what were its key findings?

A study conducted in France measured dermal exposure in greenhouses and assessed the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE). The study’s findings provided specific data on exposure levels and the protection offered by different types of PPE, such as coveralls and gloves. The study also compared actual exposure levels to predictions from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) model, which validated the model's effectiveness. This information is used to develop practical guidance for greenhouse operators, safety managers, and anyone involved in indoor pesticide application.

What is the significance of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) model in assessing pesticide exposure?

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) developed a new greenhouse model to predict pesticide exposure levels. The study compared the model's predictions with measured exposure levels. The model's predictions, particularly using the 'dense culture' scenario, closely aligned with the measured exposure levels. This validation is significant because it confirms the model's utility in estimating potential risks and informing preventative measures. Greenhouse operators can use this model to assess potential risks and improve safety protocols.