Sodium fluoroacetate (1080): assessment of occupational exposures and selection of a provisional biological exposure index.

AIM: Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is used for control of vertebrate pests in New Zealand. Little is known about chronic effects in humans, but animal studies demonstrate potential for adverse fetal, male fertility, and cardiac effects. We aimed to employ analyses of 1080 to help assess the degree of exposure of bait formulators and distributors, and identify specific tasks where exposure reduction appeared most indicated. We also aimed to utilise the (limited) 1080 toxicity data to assess the significance of the analytical results.

METHOD: Exposures during various activities were assessed by monitoring air levels and blood and urine concentrations. To help evaluate the results, a provisional "biological exposure index" (BEI) was later derived, by extrapolating from experimental data.

RESULTS

Early monitoring indicated exposures were highest in relation to (cereal) bait manufacturing and aerial carrot baiting procedures. A provisional BEI of 15 microg/L for 1080 in urine was proposed.

CONCLUSION

Further protective measures and ongoing workplace monitoring are required, particularly in the above situations. Compliance with the current BEI cannot guarantee complete safety. Any information regarding chronic adverse effects in humans, along with the associated urine levels, would assist risk assessment. Further investigation of the human kinetics of fluoroacetate would be helpful.