Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 109, Issue 5, 2001, Pages 533-538

Work characteristics and pesticide exposures among migrant agricultural families: A community-based research approach (Article) (Open Access)

McCauley L.A.* , Lasarev M.R. , Higgins G. , Rothlein J. , Muniz J. , Ebbert C. , Phillips J.
  • a Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States, Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, L-606, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201, United States
  • b Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
  • c Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
  • d Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
  • e Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
  • f Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
  • g Oregon Child Development Coalition, Wilsonville, OR, United States

Abstract

There are few data on pesticide exposures of migrant Latino farmworker children, and access to this vulnerable population is often difficult. In this paper we describe a community-based approach to implement culturally appropriate research methods with a migrant Latino farmworker community in Oregon. Assessments were conducted in 96 farmworker homes and 24 grower homes in two agricultural communities in Oregon. Measurements included surveys of pesticide use and work protection practices and analyses of home-dust samples for pesticide residues of major organophosphates used in area crops. Results indicate that migrant farmworker housing is diverse, and the amounts and types of pesticide residues found in homes differ. Azinphos-methyl (AZM) was the pesticide residue found most often in both farmworker and grower homes. The median level of AZM in farmworker homes was 1.45 ppm compared to 1.64 ppm in the entry area of grower homes. The median level of AZM in the play areas of grower homes was 0.71 ppm. The levels of AZM in migrant farmworker homes were most associated with the distance from fields and the number of agricultural workers in the homes. Although the levels of AZM in growers and farmworker homes were comparable in certain areas, potential for disproportionate exposures occur in areas of the homes where children are most likely to play. The relationship between home resident density, levels of pesticide residues, and play behaviors of children merit further attention.

Author Keywords

Environmental exposure Children Pesticides Azinphos-methyl Environmental justice Migrant farmworkers Agriculture

Index Keywords

information processing medical assessment health care planning public health service agricultural worker human dust exposure toxicity testing azinphos methyl medical research ethnic group controlled study priority journal family health child behavior family study United States migrant worker male preschool child occupational exposure Infant female environmental exposure newborn pesticide population research cultural factor Article community medicine major clinical study adult data analysis child health care recreation Job analysis occupational hazard health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035325101&doi=10.1289%2fehp.01109533&partnerID=40&md5=97061eff65631a23c7af31235af71054
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.01109533
ISSN: 00916765
Cited by: 114
Original Language: English