Chloropicrin Case Study

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1. Issue Identification a. What is causing the identified problem? Exposure to Chloropicrin via soil fumigant, acres of land is being pest controlled by the agent Chloropicrin at a concentration of 80lbs/acre. b. Why is the problem a problem? 165 persons out of 172 reported physical symptoms that are suspected to be compatible with Chloropicrin, 99% of individuals had irritant reactions while 5% needed medical evaluations (CDC, 2003). c. How was the problem initially identified? The evening of the day the acres had the application of chloropicrin, the residents within one quarter mile, complained of irritant symptoms. The Kern County FD was notified of complains and experienced irritant symptoms themselves (CDC, 2003). The KCFD reported the incident to the County Agricultural Commissioner who then conduced in person interviews of households within approx. one quarter mile of the site including a day care center (CDC 2003). d. What are the public perceptions of the hazard? Public perceptions would be the concern that the soil fumigant is poison and causing serious health concersn to anyone with the vicinity of the fields. Concern for the day care center included as children are exposed and spend adequate amounts of time outdoors which includes the chemical …show more content…

The magnitude of the exposure based on data collection revealed over 35 households, 172 individuals and approximately one quarter mile distance from the exposure site (CDC, 2003). Exposure of the hazard intially took place over hours, the crops were injected in the am and by evening the hazard had created health concerns, duration is questionable as the survey only measures 11 days post exposure yet symptoms remained. The character of the hazard is chemical in nature and reported as an irritant effect on indivuduals exposed, allergy like symptoms (respiratory, eye etc.) are