Evaluación cualitativa y simplificada del riesgo por inhalación de agentes químicos según la NTP 937 en la producción de rosas de la Florícola Palatuflowers S.A

Abstract

Abstract: Occupational exposure to agrochemicals in floriculture requires systematic assessments to protect workers' respiratory health. This study evaluated inhalation risk at Florícola Palatuflowers S.A. (Ecuador) using the semi-quantitative NTP 937 methodology. After analyzing 114 products from the full inventory and 35 products from the frequently used optimized inventory and categorizing personnel into three Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) the results revealed a critical scenario. SEG 1 (fumigators) showed extreme risk (Pinh = 300,000; Priority 1), driven by the high toxicity of fungicides and the spraying process in greenhouses. SEG 2 (fertigation) was also classified as Priority 1 (Pinh = 35,000) due to the dustiness of solid fertilizers and the handling of acids. SEG 3 (post-harvest) presented moderate risk (Pinh = 350; Priority 2) resulting from prolonged immersion in open tanks. The study concludes that fumigation and mixing processes pose an unacceptable risk requiring immediate intervention through engineering controls, substitution of active ingredients, and epidemiological surveillance, thereby validating NTP 937 as an essential preventive tool.