Cut flowers: A potential pesticide hazard

D.L. Morse, E.L. Baker and P.J. Landrigan

American Journal of Public Health, 1979, vol. 69, issue 1, 53-56

Abstract: Following reports of ten cases of possible organophosphate pesticide poisoning in florists exposed to pesticide residues on cut flowers, the authors conducted a prospective random-sample survey to determine residual pesticide levels on flowers imported into the United States via Miami, Florida. A sample of all flowers imported into Miami on three days in January 1977 showed that 18 (17.7 per cent) of 105 lots contained pesticide residue levels >5ppm, and that three lots had levels >400 ppm. Azodrin (monocrotophos) was the most important contaminant with levels of 7.7-4,750 ppm detected in nine lots. The authors examined 20 quarantine workers in Miami and 12 commercial florists exposed to contaminated flowers. Occasional nonspecific symptoms compatible with possible organophosphate exposue were noted, but we found no abnormalities in plasma or red blood cell cholinesterase levels. This study documents a previously unrecognized potential source of occupational pesticide exposure and suggests that safety standards should be set for residue levels on cut flowers.

Date: 1979
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