The UAL researchers designed a suit of protection for the application of pesticides

This conclusion was reached after observing that most of the guides of risk prevention assignments are carried out by specialists of Northern Europe, where the climatic conditions differ too with the present in these latitudes or in the interior of a greenhouse. This study has been possible thanks to the funding of the Ministry of employment of the Junta de Andalucía.

Were included as variables the absorption occurred in different segments of the body −diferenciando body arms, trunk, legs, wrists and tobillos−, the specific characteristics of each −altura of las matas and density cultivation foliar− and analysis of biological fluids −orina and sangre− to define the concentration of contaminant assimilated by the body more accurately.

The obtained findings demonstrate that there is a higher level of penetration in the arms and legs, especially in those areas of pressure, as in the shoulders, wrists and knees. And it is that the movement of the joints exerts pressure on the fabric which facilitates penetration of the fluid. However, in the trunk, although the amount of pesticide that receives is higher, penetration is lower, including suits of cotton.

"Based on these results, we proposed that the arms and legs are protected by a waterproof material." While other areas of the body, such as the trunk, can be released through a more breathable material. "The main purpose lies in avoiding other risks of greater consequences, for example, heat stress," says Francisco Javier Egea González, responsible for the research group.