Monitoring the urine of pesticide applicators in California for residues of chlordimeform and its metabolites 1982–1985

Chlordimeform (Cdf) is readily absorbed through the skin of pesticide applicators. It also enters the body when breathed into the lungs. Cdf can be found in the urine of workers who handle or are involved in applying pesticide products which contain the chemical, even when they are wearing special protective clothing and respirators. Because of the adverse health effects seen in heavily exposed workers and the cancerous tumors seen in mice, special precautions are necessary when handling products containing Cdf to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. Because Cdf is known to enter the body very easily, with serious injury potential, workers handling pesticide products containing Cdf in California are required to have medical supervision including a blood test at the beginning and end of each application season and monthly testing of urine for possible cellular change and pesticide residues during the time Cdf exposure takes place. This program is designed to keep worker exposure as low as possible.