Why were agricultural workers at risk of arsenic poisoning from insecticidal sprays and dusts?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for arsenic, showing its atomic number 33, symbol As, atomic weight 74.921595, electron configuration, and classification as an other nonmetal. Additional icons indicate arsenic is solid at room temperature, has a rhombohedral crystal structure, and weakly acidic oxides. — arsenic Properties of arsenic.

Agricultural workers were at risk of arsenic poisoning primarily because they were frequently exposed to insecticides containing toxic compounds such as lead arsenate, calcium arsenate, copper acetoarsenite, or arsenious oxide.1

The risk arose from the handling of these substances in the form of sprays and dusts, which could be absorbed into the body through inhalation or ingestion. Because these compounds are highly toxic—exerting their effects by interfering with cellular metabolism and enzymes—occupational contact during the application of these agricultural chemicals posed a significant health hazard. Furthermore, the lack of proper protective measures against inhaling these dusts increased the likelihood of exposure.12