Pesticide exposure and subjective symptoms of cut-flower farmers / Journal of Rural Medicine

<p>Sales of cut-flowers depend much on the outer appearance of the flowers. They are not intended to be used as foodstuffs; thus, pesticides are used more liberally for cut flower growing than for other agricultural products. Flower production is often carried out in greenhouses; therefore, pesticide exposure seems to reach not only the person spraying the pesticides, but also the non-spraying workers as well. In 2009, a special research project on pesticide poisoning, affiliated with the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine, developed a study that focused on cut-flower farmers’ exposure to pesticide, subsequent adverse symptoms experienced, and treatment modalities to relieve pesticide-related symptoms. In this group of farmers, the pesticide sprayers were almost entirely male, while the females did not do any spraying. The organophosphate metabolite level in the urine of the males was higher than that of the females. However, in the female group, a positive relation was found between average working times in the greenhouse, and urine concentration of dialkylphosphates. In 2 males of this group, the level of dimethylphosphate was detected at 1,000 times the median level. Their butyrylcholinesterase activity levels on the day of testing had declined to 64%, 72% of their average level of the proximate 4 years, respectively. Communication with these subjects regarding pesticide exposure and methods of prevention appeared to be an effective approach for reducing symptom severity. Among soil fumigants, chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene were most often used. Difficulty breathing was one of the subjective symptoms associated with chloropicrin, as well as watery eyes, coughing, and runny nose. These symptoms were effectively suppressed by the preventative practice of wearing gas masks and goggles while using soil fumigants. It would be beneficial to strongly encourage use of suitable protective gear among farmers exposed to soil fumigants.</p>

Monitoring of Pesticide Exposure in Cut Flower Farmers and Health Risk / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　Sales of cut flowers depend much on outside appearance. They are not supposed to be, so pesticide is used more liberally for cut flower growing than for other agricultural products. When the annual group health checkups for cut-flower farmers were held in late-August in 2009, 2010, 2011, we sampled spot urines and measured four dialkylphosphates, the metabolites of the organo-phosphorous pesticide.　　At one time, concentrations of dimethylphosphate in 2 males were around 1,000-fold as much as the median of this group. Their serum cholinesterase activity levels at that time declined to 64% and 72% of their average measurements in the other years. These figures were comparable to the level that the pesticide spraying procedure should be revised, as suggested by the agricultural worker health system in California, United States which monitored cholinesterase activity levels in farmers.　　We had interviews with the two Japanese cut flower growers. One of them complained of unbearable cough with pyrethroid insecticide spraying. We advised him some measures in consideration of his history of respiratory disease. He decided not to use pyrethroid insecticides. Another man refused to talk about the pesticide exposure risk at first. But later on, we heard that he had decided to wear dust protective mask.　　The risk communication using the measurement of the index of pesticide exposure seemed to be a effective way to decrease pesticide exposure and its adverse effect. Although this procedure needs some trained interviewers and is sometimes refused by farmer, we are going to continue this type of dialogue from now on.

Hospital-based Survey of Clinical Cases of Pesticide Poisoning in Japan 2010-2012 / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　Clinical cases of pesticide poisoning from 2010 through 2012 were analyzed based on data collected from the hospitals affiliated with the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine.　　One hundred and thirty-seven cases of pesticide poisoning were reported from 37 hospitals. By gender, males and females made up almost the same number. By age group, those in the 70-79 age band accounted for 22% of the total number of the cases, followed by those in their 60s (18%) and those in their 80s (18%). By month, the incidence peaked in May, accounting for 16%. When it comes to occupational poisoning, the majority of the cases occurred in spring and summer, when pesticides were used frequently.　　By type of pesticide exposure, suicide accounted for 71%, followed by accidental ingestion (13%) and occupational exposure (12%).　　By type of clinical manifestation, acute poisoning was most frequent (83%), followed by dermatitis (6%) and ocular disorders (5%). When it comes to occupational exposure, the rate of acute poisoning decreased to 42%, and dermatitis and ocular disorders increased to 47% and 11%, respectively.　　Amino acid herbicides topped the list of agricultural chemical compounds causing poisoning (29%), followed by and organo-phosphate insecticides (29%) and bipyridilium herbicide (8%).　　As regards main ingredients, glyphosate was the most frequent inducer (38 cases), followed by fenitrothion (18 cases) and paraquat (12 cases).　　Twenty-two death cases were reported, of which eight cases were by paraquat and three cases by fenitrothion. The death rate from paraquat poisoning was far higher than those from any other pesticides. The death number has been decreased gradually, which was correlated with the downward trend of paraquat sales.

Chronic Effects of Pesticide Exposure on Gene Polymorphism / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　The Gene testing techniques have made a remarkable development in recent years. The number of studies on an association between chronic effects rapidly of pesticide exposure and gene polymorphism has increased. This tendency is probably because some genes are related to the metabolism and transport through the cell membrane of the toxic chemicals.　　Many studies on the cancer risk have found the significant interactions between pesticide exposure and gene polymorphism. The cancers associated with pesticides included gallbladder cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, childhood leukemia, childhood brain tumor and so forth. The interactive factors of the pesticide exposure have been given as follows: The serum DDT level, the agricultural use of malathion or dichlorvos, the pesticide exposure indices representing the job history, the history of prenatal or postnatal insecticide exposure, among others. The genes of significant interaction with polymorphism have been given as follows: Cytochrome P450, glutathione-S-transferase, P-glycoprotein, flavin-containing monooxygenase, quinone oxidoreductase, among others.　　The risk of Parkinson&rsquo:s disease was reported to have the interaction with pesticide exposure and paraoxonase or dopamine transporter polymorphism.　　Some studies on birth defect and nuerodevelopmental retardation have reported the significant interactive relations. For example: Preterm delivery with organochlorine pesticide exposure and cytochrome P450 polymorphism, reduction of head circumference or retardation of neurobehavioral development with organophosphorous insecticide exposure and paraoxonase polymorphism.　　When it comes to multiple chemical sensitivity, some gene polymorphisms were reported to have significant relations. Further research is needed to gain a deeper insight into multiple chemical sensitivity including the interaction between gene polymorphism and chemical exposure epidemiologically.

Use of Soil Fumigants and Subjective Symptoms of Cut Flower Farmers - A Survey by Interview / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　Soil fumigants are used to control pests, fungi, and weeds before planting crops. As they are highly volatile and acutely toxic, farmers are often exposed to serious risks of poisoning by inhalation and contact. We investigated the use of soil fumigants and subjective symptoms of cut flower farmers by interviewing them.　　The subjects of this study consisted of 69 male farmers who came to health check, and we asked them about the names of soil fumigants they used in recent years, whether or not they wore the gas mask and the goggle, and whether they had had any subjective symptoms, and many other questions.　　Of the subjects, 68% said they used Chloropicrin and 64% gave D-D. Chloropicrin tablet and carbam were used by 15% of them, respectively.　　It was found that 38% of the chloropicrin users put on the gas mask, and that 32% put on the goggle. The occurrences of subjective symptoms differed with whether the farmer put on gas mask or goggle. The farmers without gas mask or goggle complained about watery eye (72%), couch (31%), runny nose (31%), breathing difficulties (21%), and eye irritation (19%).　　The farmers put into practice some measures to prevent chloropicrin exposure, as follows: Using the machine with injector crawls under the ground, working when gentle wind is blowing, working when the temperature of soil is low, and using the refrigerated chloropicrin.　　Some farmers and their wives informed that they had runny eye, sneeze when covering fumigated hillings with plastic films. The workers are recommended to put on the gas mask on working this process.　　The use of low-permeable film, developed in recent years, could economize on soil fumigants for cultivating some corps. It is hoped that the use of this new material will spread in cut flower farming and reduce risks of fumigant exposure.

Trends in Paraquat Poisoning in Japan - Viewed from Surveys on Clinical Cases / Journal of Rural Medicine

<b>Objective:</b> Paraquat poisoning occurs worldwide, and both the fatality rate and the number of deaths are out of the ordinary. Japan is one of the few countries in the world that have replaced 24% products with 5% products. This report is an attempt to introduce information about paraquat poisoning in Japan.<br><b>Methods:</b> The Japanese Association of Rural Medicine has carried out extensive surveys on clinical cases of pesticide poisoning at its 122 member installations since 2007. Of all the findings, we have picked out and evaluated those concerned with paraquat poisoning.<br><b>Findings:</b> Twenty-two out of 28 persons who attempted to commit suicide with paraquat died in 2007-2011. The rate of deaths from suicide attempts with paraquat stands at somewhere near 80% or so even with 5% products, so it appears that the attempts to reduce the death rate did not have the intended effect even with products having a lower concentration.<br><b>Conclusion:</b> The “outcome prediction line” propounded in 1979 still stands today, while a wide variety of therapies have been studied. It seems that paraquat should at least be classified into Class Ib (highly hazardous) given that the mortality remains high and efficacious therapies remain elusive.

Mass Poisoning with Organophosphate Insecticide at Junior High School in Japan / 日本農村医学会雑誌

  Mass poisoning with an organo-phosphate insecticide occurred at a junior high school in Japan. We collected clinical data from four hospitals, which treated the patients, and investigated this poisoning.<br>  In late July, the janitor of the school dropped an undiluted solution of 40% methidathion insecticide into the nest of ant near the classroom between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m The volatilized gas spread into the classroom, and many students presented some symptoms of poisonig, 16 students were taken to neighborhood hospitals around noon.<br>  Of the 16 patients, 13 complained of headache, 11 of nausea, and 4 of dizziness. One patient vomited twice. The serum cholinesterase activities, the pupil diameters and the light reflexes of the patients were normal. Three patients were hospitalized one night for observation. All patients did not get sever poisoning, and recovered and had no sequela.<br>   It has to be admonished against spraying an undiluted solution of high toxic insecticide near the classroom, and it is necessary to take stern measures to prevent another such accident.

Hospital-based Survey of Clinical Cases of Pesticide Poisoning in Japan 2007-2009 / 日本農村医学会雑誌

  Clinical cases of pesticide poisoning from 2007 through 2009 were analyzed based on data collected from the hospitals affiliated with the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine.<br>  Two hundred and twelve cases of pesticide poisoning were reported from 48 hospitals. By gender, males accounted for 54%. By age group, those in the 60-69 age band accounted for 23%, followed by those 70-79 years old (22%) and those 50-59 years old (19%). By month, the incidence peaked in May or August accounted for 12% respectively. When it comes to occupational poisoning, the majority of the cases occurred in spring and summer, when pesticides were used frequently.<br>  By type of pesticide exposure, suicide accounted for 77%, followed by occupation exposure (16%) and accidental ingestion (4%).<br>  By type of clinical manifestation, acute poisoning was most frequent (90%), followed by dermatitis (3%) and ocular disorders (2%). When it comes to occupational exposure, the rate of acute poisoning decreased to 70%, and dermatitis and ocular disorders increased to 11% respectively.<br>  Organo-phosphate insecticides topped the list of agricultural chemical compounds causing poisoning (32%), followed by amino acid herbicides (22%) and bipyridilium herbicide (10%). When it comes to main ingredients, glyphosate was the most frequent inducer (32 cases), followed by fenitrothion (25 cases) and paraquat (21 cases).<br>  Thirty-six death cases were reported, of which 16 cases were by paraquat and 9 cases by organo-phosphate insecticides. The death rate and number from paraquat poisoning were by far larger than those from any other pesticides. A ban on the use of paraquat must be considered.

Chemical Burns by Calcium Polysulfide -Measures for Prevention / 日本農村医学会雑誌

  Calcium polysulfide, used in early spring as a spray to control insects and fungi, is indispensable for fruit growers. However, this chemical sometimes causes serious burns, as it is notably high in alkalinity.  In early March, a man in his late fifties was spraying this insecticide over his garden trees. With a lack of any background knowledge, he did not wear waterproof protective gear. He carried on his garden work, even though the chemical soaked through his pants. In the evening, he had sharp pains on the posterior surface of each leg. At the time of his first visit to our hospital, he had third degree chemical burns. Necrosis was evident. Debridement was preformed on Day 6. Ulceration was seen from dermis to panniculus adiposus. A skin graft was applied on Day 19. The patient was treated as an inpatient for one month.  Clinical case reports on thise type of burn were cited nearly one per year in Japanese medical study database. More reports were available in 2000s than 1990s. Studies, published abroad showed that these burns have not decreased in recent decades.  For this type of burn, stady priority should be given to preventive measures. Beside general precautions against pesticide poisoning, it is necessary to emphasize the need to (1) wear waterproof protective gear and (2) wash the body immediately after exposure to liquid chemicals. We prepared a brochure as a guideline for prevention.

Historical Perspective of Pesticide Poisoning in Japan and Measures Taken by the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine / Journal of Rural Medicine

The use of pesticides has rapidly increased in Japan since the end of World War II, significantly reducing work burdens and boosting food production. In the meantime, pesticides, responsible for poisoning and environmental pollution, have for many years posed grave issues that have had to be tackled by scientists of rural medicine for a long period. The Japanese Association of Rural Medicine, founded by the late Toshikazu Wakatsuki, has grappled with those issues for many years. Above all, the association has fulfilled its social obligations, such as by bringing the toxicity of organic mercury to light in animal tests to prompt the government to prohibit its use, and by casting light on birth defects caused by defoliants aerially sprayed during the Vietnam War to urge U.S. military forces to break off herbicide warfare. As it has become possible to make less toxic pesticides available for farm work in recent years, death-inducing accidents have seldom occurred during the spraying of pesticides, and the association’s activities are now at a low ebb. Now that pesticides, which after all are biologically toxic compounds, are openly used on farms, there is the need to pay constant attention to their impacts on the human body and the environment. In the future, it is necessary to epidemiologically probe into chronic impacts on the human body and contribute to the prevention of pesticide poisoning in Southeast Asia.

Pesticide Exposure and Pregnancy Outcome:A Literature Review / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Chronic adverse effects on human bodies from pesticide exposure are far-reaching. They eventually cause neuropsychological disorders, organ disorders, oncogenesis, unwonted pregnancy outcomes, developmental disorders, and so forth. This paper reviewed the literature published in recent years on the relationships between pesticide exposures and pregnancy outcomes.Many studies from North America and Europe documented a link between adverse pregnancy outcomes and exposures to pesticides used in agriculture, gardening, and in everyday life. The adverse pregnancy outcomes were birth defect, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, depressed birth size, and the imbalanced male/female ratio of newborns. The majority of the reports described significant relations. Significant increases in the incidence of birth defect were reported also by the majority of the reports, and specific malformations such as anencephaly were significantly related to pesticide exposure. Hypospadias and cryptorchism were found to be significantly closely related to exposure to various kinds of pesticide and the residue of chlordanes rather than residual DDT.Two pieces of research carried out in the Philippines and South Africa revealed a close association between agricultural pesticide use and birth defect and spontaneous abortion. In the developing countries of the tropical and sub-tropical regions, the protect gears were scarcely used for the reason of climate and a high cost. Consequently, the risk of exposure was high. The situation in these regions needs further study from an epidemiological standpoint. Some activities and administrative measures are simultaneously necessary, including the education in order to decrease the risk of pesticide exposure and use pesticides with low toxicity.Regrettably, few epidemiological studies have been carried out in Japan, and the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine is responsible for promoting epidemiological research in this nation. Furthermore, it should contribute to the activities and administrative measures to lower the risk of pesticide exposure in Southeast Asian countries.

Paraquat Poisoning in Japan: A Hospital-based Survey / Journal of Rural Medicine

Background: Paraquat has been a matter of grave concern around the world, including Japan, in light of high mortality rates and numerous fatalities.;Method: We undertook a cross-sectional survey of pesticide poisoning by collecting data for 6 years, from 1998 to 2003, from 102 hospitals affiliated with the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine. From these cases, we analyzed those with exposure to paraquat.;Results: There were 79 paraquat poisoning cases, including 71 cases of suicide. Of the suicide cases with 5% paraquat and 7% diquat products, more than 80% resulted in suicide deaths. All people who used 24% paraquat products completed suicide. The outcomes of these cases were related to age and volume of ingestion. The prognosis line proposed by Proudfoot in 1979 continues to explain the final outcome of almost all cases even though more than 25 years have passed since it was first proposed. More than 80% of fatalities died within the first three days of ingestion.;Conclusion: Numerous lifesaving methods have been proposed by physicians around the world. However, almost all of these methods treat pulmonary disorders in the sub-acute and subsequent periods and seem unable to effectively decrease mortality rates. It is necessary to take administrative measures to reduce paraquat concentrations in products and, furthermore, to impose strict restrictions on its distribution.

Nationwide Survey of Clinical Cases of Pesticide Poisoning/Disorders in Japan, 2001-03 / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Data concerning clinical cases of pesticide poisoning/disorders were collected from members of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine during 2001-2003, and were analyzed statistically.A total of 194 cases of poisoning/disorders by pesticide exposure were reported from 36 hospitals and other medical institutions. Suicide cases accounted for 74% of the total number of cases, which was followed by the cases caused by exposure during spraying (17%) and drinking/eating by mistake (7%).In 144 suicide cases, those of males accounted for 52%, the middle-aged and older people constituted the majority. By types of clinical manifestations, almost all of the cases were acute or subacute pesticide poisoning (98%). Organophosphate insecticides were the most frequent inducers of the cases (39%), which was followed by bipyridylium herbicides (23%). When it comes to the outcome, more than 80% of suicide cases with paraquat products resulted in death.There were 39 cases of pesticide poisoning/disorders resulting from exposure during spraying, preparation or settling, and working in sprayed area. In these cases, males accounted for 70% the middle-aged and older people made up the majority. By types of clinical manifestations, the cases of acute or subacute pesticide poisoning accounted for 39%, which was followed by acute dermatitis (33%), chemical burn (14%), and ocular disorders (11%). The pesticides that induced clinical cases varied greatly. Main factors contributing to the onset of pesticide poisoning/disorders were insufficient protective clothing (44%), self conceit (19%), insufficient information (14%), and carelessness (12%).

Research on Prevention of Pesticide Poisoning in Asia : A Review / 日本農村医学会雑誌

In japan, pesticides have been used increasingly after World War II and pesticide poisoning has been a major issue of rural medicine. In other Asian countries, pesticide poisoning also seems to be a great concern of rural medicine and occupational and environmental medicine as well. We reviewed the results of research on the prevention of pesticide poisoning in Asia with the reports of international organizations and articles which appeared in medical journals.The WHO Glabal Information Network on Chemicals worked out an international protocol to collect and analyze the cases of pesticide poisoning, and is carrying out hospital-based surveys in east and south Asia from 1998. These data were discussed in comparison with the results of our hospital-based survey of pesticide poisoning in 1998-2000.Also, FAO has been exploring the concept of “community integrated pest management (CIPM)” from 1999, in Asian countries. In a project related to this, farmers were asked to report their pesticide use and symptoms, and researchers analyzed the data and gave advice to the farmers, and these practices produced so fruitful findings that the farmers have come to refrain from using hazardous pesticides of their own accord. These research projects are expected to complementarily contribute to the prevention of pesticide poisoning. We resumed the hospital-based survey of pesticide poisoning in 1996, and have collected and analyzed several hundreds cases. In order to reduce pesticide poisoning in Japan and other Asian countries, we are interested in rendering cooperation in those projects.

A Clinical, Epidemiological Study on Chronic Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders Caused by Pesticides / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Pesticide poisoning is one of the most inportant health issues associated with rural medicine, and chronic nervous and mental disorders are its importnat sequelae. We investigated suquela cases nationwide, and reviewed chronic nervous and mental disorders from a clinical and epidemiological point of view.<BR>Our nationwide survey found one reported case of delayed neuropathy. The patient ingested organophosphorus insecticides, and showed delayed neuropathy dozens days after.<BR>Cases of delayed neuropathy attributable to Mipafox was reported in1951.This disease is mainly caused by organophosphorus insecticides. Carbamate insecticides are also known as the agents to induce delayed neuropathy. Herbicide Glufosinate (Basta<SUP>TM</SUP>) was put on the market in 1984. The case reports published during the 1990's pointed out that some Glufosinate poisonings cause amnesia and disorientation. Thesecases were reviewed according to the types of pesticides or their groups.<BR>An epidemiological investigation of neurological and psychiatric desorders among such workers exposed to several types of pesticides as plantation workers and sheep dippers was made. These exposed workers were at high risk of mild cognitive dysfunction, tremor, weakness, and so on to a significant extent. Those children who were exposed to organochlorine insecticide and pollutant via placenta or milk were also surveyed whether they had impairments of nervous and mental development. Highly exposed children were significantly slow in development relative to their peers. The results of these investigations were also reviewed.

Nationwide Survey of Clinical Cases of Pesticide Poisoning (Disorders) in Japan, 1998-2000 FY / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Data concerning clinical cases of pesticide-induced disorders were collected from members of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine during 1998-2000 FY throughout the nation, and were analyzed statistically.<BR>1) A total of 209 cases of poisoning by agricultural chemicals were reported from 49 hospitals and other medical institutions.<BR>2) By types of clinical manifestations, the majority of the cases were acute or subacute pesticide poisoning (91%), which was followed by acute dermatitis (5%) and chemical burn (3%).<BR>3) Suicide accounted for 67% of the pesticide poisoning cases, which was followed by accidental exposure on the job during spraying (17%), and so forth.<BR>4) Organophosphate insecticides were the most frequent inducers of the clinical cases (34%), which was followed by bipyridylium herbicides (21%) and a carbamate insecticides (9%), and so forth.<BR>5) There were 43 cases of intoxication during spraying, during preparation or settling, and working in sprayed areas By types of clinical manifestations, the majority of the cases were acute or subacute pesticide poisoning (56%), which was followed by acute dermatitis (23%) and chemical burn (16%).<BR>6) Agricultural chemical compounds responsible for the clinical cases varied greatly. They induced organophosphate insecticides (19%), and bipyridylium herbicides (12%).<BR>7) Main factors contributing to the onset of pesticide-related disorders were insufficient protective clothing (32%), carelessness (22%), and inevitable consequences of pesticide use (10%).

Residues of Sprout Inhibitors in Potato Products / 日本農村医学会雑誌

While the importance of domestic agriculture is stressed, Japan's imports of agricultural products are increasing year by year. From the standpoint of public health, what matters most is pesticide residues in imported agricultural products, in particular, the residues of chemicals applied after harvest for long-distance transport and long-term conservation.<BR>Recentv, we have completed a simultaneous analytical method to detect two sprout inhibitors-maleic hydrazide and chlorpropham-in potato chips. The recovery rates and detection limits of maleic hydrazide and chlorpropham by this method were worked out at 81±5, 79±4%, 0.1, 0.01μg/g-raw, respectively.<BR>A residue survey was carried out in potato chips on the market. The detection rate of maleic hydrazide was 25% with the maximum amount of 0.3μg/g-raw. The detection rate of chlorpropham was 45% with the maximum amount of 0.11μg/g-raw.

Multi-residue Analysis of Fungicides in Strawberry / 日本農村医学会雑誌

The'Toyonoka' variety increased rapidly in the market of strawberry in southwest Japan. But this variety has no resistance to powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca hurnuli), and the farmers are at their wit's end, not knowing how to control the fungi.<BR>Multi-residue analytical method was established for 3 dicarboximides (vinclozolin, procymidone and iprodione) and 7 fungicides to control powdery mildew (triadimefon, pyrifenox, chinomethionate, fenarimol, myclobutanil, bitertanol and triflumizole). The recovery rates of 13 chemicals were 76-93%, and detection limits were below 0.01μg/g-raw with HPLC-DAD and GC-ECD.<BR>Nine fungicides except vinclozolin were detected in strawberries on the market, and 12 chemicals detected were qualified with HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. All the detected cases were below the maximum residue levels in Japan.<BR>Dicarboximides were detected 60-70% of strawberry samples both in ‘Toyonoka’ and ‘Nyohou’. On the other hand, the fungicides to control powdery mildew were detected often and complexly in ‘Toyonoka’ than ‘Nyohou’. It is necessary to consider to exchange the 'Toyonoka' variety for more tolerant one to control powdery mildew.

Procymidone Residues in an Agricultured Area / 日本農村医学会雑誌

The amount of pesticide residues in the soil was investigated in two fields. About 0.05-0.14μg/g-dry of fungicide procymidone (Sumirex<SUP>TM</SUP>) were detected from the soil, where fuming with procymidone had been ceased for about a year.<BR>Measurements have been carried out for the subsequent three years with the result that the second half-life of procymidone in the soil was estimated at about 1.5 years.<BR>Procymidone residues ranging from 0.005 to 0.017μg/g-raw were detected in the vegetables grown in these fields, but not in strawberries.<BR>These data suggested that procymidone falls under the category of long-lived organo-chlorine pesticides.<BR>It is necessary to study further on the environmental behavior and the toxity of procymidone, as procymidone residues in foodstuffs are reported repeatedly and the chemical is still on the market.