A VINE-GROWING EXPOSURE MATRIX IN THE HERAULT AREA OF FRANCE

In the Herault region of France, vineyards cover an area of 128 000 hectares (60% of agricultural land) and involve more than 93% of farms. A vine-growing exposure matrix was built for assessing pesticide exposure. It is based on information obtained from a survey among 85 vine-growers who lived in Herault and who had detailed account books. This paper explains how this matrix was built and how to use it. It takes into consideration the calendar time (1950-1988). the type of products (powder. liquid) and the chemical classes. It can estimate the likelihood of exposure and the quantity of pesticide used. Such a matrix could be useful in epidemiological surveys in order to measure vine-growers' exposure to pesticides. Formulae are given to evaluate their mean exposure to these chemicals. Limitations of the matrix are discussed; it does not take into account several factors which might change exposure: temperature, wind speed, methods of application, use of protection. etc.