Toxicology of Parathion


interpreted. Thus, periodic cholinesterase determinations could
be used to tell if he was being affected by parathion absorption.
This might prevent a case of poisoning. Similarly, should the
man become ill, a blood test would enable a more reliable
diagnosis if the man's own normal level were known.

 Protective Clothing
 Masks.-Some type of respirator should be worn whenever
an individual is exposed to parathion. It may be one which covers
only the nose and mouth, but it must have a cartridge or
chamber which will remove organic vapors, as well as a paper
filter disc3. In wearing such a mask, care should be taken to in-
sure that the mask does not leak about the nose or cheeks. Paper
filters should be changed daily and the organic vapor cartridges
changed every few days. Once a week is probably often enough,
but complete information is not available. The operator should
keep the mask clean and under no circumstances should spray
residues be allowed on the inside of the mask. It is desirable
that the mask be washed at the end of each work day.
 Coveralls.-Coveralls are the best type of clothing for spray
labor to wear. These should be worn no longer than one day
without washing and should be changed at half-day intervals
if extreme spray drift is encountered. The sleeves should be
long in order to minimize skin exposure (see Fig. 2).
 Rubber Boots and Gloves.-All men handling parathion, fill-
 ing tanks or exposed to spray drifts should wear natural rubber
 gloves. Since parathion can accumulate in leather or canvas
 shoes, rubber boots should be worn by spray hands operating
 pressure guns and walking in the grove (see Fig. 3).

 Personal Cleanliness
 A thorough bath should be taken as soon as the work day is
 finished. Particular emphasis should be placed on washing ex-
 posed skin or those parts of the body where clothing has been
 contaminated. It is possible that this daily bath is more im-
 portant than any other single precaution.
 Hands should be washed before eating or smoking.

 3 There are several approved types, but two have been in general use
 in Florida. One is the Willson Agrisol Chemical Cartridge Respirator
 and the other is the Mine Safety Appliance Chemical Cartridge Respirator
 (CR-49290).