DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF USER FRIENDLY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATORS AND DE-STALKERS IN CHILLI CROP
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Date
2022-08-23
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guntur
Abstract
Pesticides are best tools for timely management of crop pests and diseases which contain some amount of toxic substances that is also harmful to human beings and other domestic animals. Research proved that among the three routes of exposure, majority of the pesticide penetrates human body through skin. Hence, some type of protective clothing is essential and necessary for prevention of such entry. Survey was conducted on 120 pesticide sprayers in Chebrolu Mandal of Guntur district to understand the mode, frequency and type of pesticide used, related health aspects and constraints in using protective garments along with their opinion on user friendly protective gear.
Survey results lead to designing of 16, protective garments. Full hands shirt with regular and raglan sleeve, 2 medium sized pockets in the front of shirt and bifurcated pant. Extra protection was provided by adding extra layer of material in scalp of hood and crotch of pant. Net material was provided at the neck of shirt and in hood to make the wearer comfortable. Beak mask, goggles, chemical protective gloves and shoes were provided. Designs were evaluated by experts of subject area and applicators for selection of 5 best designs.
Selection of fabric for designed protective garments was done based on previous studies. Two blends were selected i.e. PC and PV in 2 different thickness with a blend ratio of 67:33. Spray testing was done to select one blend. Through spray test results both PC fabrics (PC1 and PC2) were considered. Both fabrics were treated with water repellent finishes - BOND-WR-12 A RTU (F1) and BOND-WR-12 NEAT (F2) following various finishing parameters, and were tested for functional properties. Air permeability values were lower in PC1 at pH 5 for all 4 conc. of finish. Higher pH and higher concentration of finish reduced the wicking ability of fabrics. Reduced wicking ability was observed in PC1 over PC2. PC1 had more thermal insulation than
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PC2. PC1 fabric had better properties over PC2 with F1 finish. Optimized finishing parameters were conc. 5%., pH-4.5., Drying temperature 1050C., drying time 3 min., curing temperature: 1650C and curing time: 3min.
The test fabric was used for construction of 5 protective garment designs selected based on subjective evaluation by applicators and experts. Further treated fabric was tested for barrier performance in the laboratory and in the field situations for 3 toxic pesticides, Phosphamidon, Monocrotophos and Dimethoate that are used by sprayers in chilli crop. Spraying of pesticide was done on samples in the laboratory using a hand spray while field testing consisted of patch test and swab test. After testing, extracts from both control and treated fabrics were evaluated in GC for quantification of pesticide residue. The residues present in 64 cm2 of fabric area were measured and expressed as ng/cm2. The results of the study were statistically analyzed by four factor experiment with CRD.
Percentage reduction of absorption and penetration of pesticides in treated fabrics ranged from 42% to 57% over control. Torso front and thigh regions received higher averages in patch test with highest reduction values incase of Monocrotophos. Swab test indicated that skin covered with treated fabric gave good protection for all three pesticides. Higher residue values were observed in both control and treated fabric with Monocrotophos over the other two pesticides. The findings of various tests related to Phosphamidon, Monocrotophos and Dimethoate absorption, penetration and transmission with test fabric samples revealed that PC1 with F1 finish had better barrier properties.
Survey on problems associated with de-stalking of dried chilli pods at chilli processing units in and around Guntur was studied and that the study reported that the majority de-stalkers faced the scorching on fingers, cracking on fingers and deformation on nails and hands while on removing stalks. Based on the survey a protective gadget was designed, constructed and evaluated to minimize the problems associated with de- stalking of dried chill pods. Initially 4 types of glove designs were designed and developed and out of which suitable one was selected through subjective evaluation by the subject experts as well as stake holders for their convenience and comfort in wearing. Final glove was made with two types of selected fabric such as 100% cotton and knitted material. Cotton was placed at palm view and knitted was placed at top view of the glove. Finally wear trials were conducted and recorded their opinion.
Further, the survey on de-stalkers indicated that they were not wearing any protective gadgets for hands while removing stalks of dried chilli pod. Hence, 4 different designs of gloves were designed of which one was selected by experts and subjects. It‟s a three fourth length style without quirks, with a combination of cotton and knitted material.
Both the protective garment and the glove were rated high by maximum number of experts in terms of features and subjects have given high scores for aspects of ease in wearing, comfort and protection. Subjects also opined that developed protective gear will be used by them if available in the market.
Description
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF USER FRIENDLY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATORS AND DE-STALKERS IN CHILLI CROP