Introduction This paper aims to investigate the potential pesticide dermal contamination
among the agricultural community by observing the microenvironmental and
macroactivity interaction between farm children and adult farmer.
Methods A 24 hours timeline activity was observed and recorded in the agricultural
farming village, Kuala Selangor. In this study, 2 homes were monitored for 2
days following a pesticide application. A total of 2 adult farmers and 5
children (7-10 year old) were recruited to participate in this study. Twentyfour
hour videotape segments and time-activity diaries were collected during
the study.
Results The microenvironment and macroactivity interaction were modelled in this
study. By considering only the potential dermal exposure pathway, the
different biological vulnerability and exposure pattern to pesticides were
observed. Finding showed a greater extent of interaction between human and
its environment, where adult farmers are the main contributor of
environmental contaminants, and children is one of the vulnerable receivers
of the contaminants’ residuals from the environment.
Conclusion The daily activities and behaviors practiced by the agricultural community
were among the contributing factors which help to highlight the pesticide
dermal contamination pathway in the farming village. This study
recommends the necessary to consider the microenvironment and
macroactivity of the target community when assess their exposure levels to
the environment contaminants.