This practice may be used to estimate the potential for human exposure to pesticide residues that may be dislodged from residential floor surfaces by dermal contact. The sampling device employed is designed to approximately replicate the pressure applied by a 9 kg child crawling or walking on the floor.

Laboratory tests and field studies have shown that the transfer coefficient of the sampling device for collection of dried pesticide residues from nylon plush carpets is two to three times higher than that of a dry hand (palm only) pressed ten times at 7300 Pa over the same area of carpet (2,4,5).

This practice has been found suitable for use on plush and level loop carpets and vinyl flooring (2, 3).

This practice does not describe procedures for evaluation of the safety of floor surfaces or the potential for human exposure to dislodgeable pesticide residues. It is the user’responsibility to evaluate the data collected by this practice and make such determinations in the light of other available information.

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for collection of dislodgeable pesticide residues from indoor floor surfaces.

1.2 This practice and the sampling methodology described are applicable to bare floors or covered floor surfaces, for example,carpeting and vinyl flooring.

1.3 This practice and the sampling methodology described are applicable to all pesticides listed in Practice D 4861 whether applied directly to the floor surface or transported there by migration within the room or tracked in from outdoors.

1.4 Floor surfaces for which this practice has been successfully applied include nylon plush carpeting, polypropylene level-loop carpeting, and vinyl flooring.

1.5 Sample analysis will be dependent upon the nature of the pesticides targeted and is beyond the scope of this practice; however, the analytical procedures discussed in Practice D 4861 are applicable to this practice.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.