%D 2001 %0 ARTICLE %T Propanil ( 3 , 4-dichloropropionanilide ) particulate concentrations within and near the residences of families living adjacent to aerially sprayed rice fields . %J Arch . Environ . Contam . Toxicol . %V 41 ( 1 ) %P 112-6 %A Richards SM %A McClure GY %A Lavy TL %A Mattice JD %A Keller RJ %A Gandy J %M pub11385597 %X Propanil is widely used as a postemergence herbicide in rice . Because it is typically applied aerially , there is a potential for propanil to drift into and around homes of those living adjacent to rice fields . Propanil has been shown to be immunotoxic in rodent models . The objective of this study was to measure the levels of propanil to which families living adjacent to aerially sprayed rice fields may be exposed . Air levels were sampled by actively and passively collecting propanil in and around the homes of volunteer families living in close proximity to rice fields sprayed with propanil . Homes ranged from 73 m to 113 m from treated rice fields . Sampling was conducted in the home , adjacent to the home ( within 5 m of the home ) , 30 m from the home , and at the edge of the rice field . Concentrations were determined via gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy . Propanil levels adjacent to the homes ranged from nondetectable to 1 , 106 . 4 microg per 400 cm2 collection surface ( 2 . 0 microg detection limit ) . Wind direction and wind velocity were the primary determinants of propanil drift . At sites where the prevailing wind was blowing away from the home , no propanil was detected except at the edge of the field . Distance from the edge of the rice field also influenced the amount of drift with higher levels measured at 30 m from the house than adjacent to the house . No propanil vapor was detected on absorbent media sampled in and around the homes . The results indicate that individuals living adjacent to rice fields aerially sprayed with propanil are potentially exposed to variable amounts of propanil , and wind speed and direction are the most important factors that influence the concentration of aerially applied pesticide .