Pesticide take-home pathway among children of agricultural workers: study design, methods, and baseline findings

J Occup Environ Med. 2003 Jan;45(1):42-53. doi: 10.1097/00043764-200301000-00012.

Abstract

Farmworkers are exposed to pesticides and may take home pesticide residues to their families. In this paper, self-reported pesticide exposure and home practices to reduce the amount of pesticide residues taken home were examined among 571 farmworkers. Urine samples from a subsample of farmworkers and children and dust samples from households and vehicles also assessed pesticide exposure. Overall, 96% of respondents reported exposure to pesticides at work. Many employers did not provide resources for hand washing. Farmworkers' protective practices to keep pesticide residues out of the home were at a low level. In a subset of respondents, pesticide levels above the limit of quantitation were seen in the urine of children and adults and in house and vehicle dust. The results support the take-home pathway of pesticide exposure. Ways must be found to reduce this pesticide exposure among children of farmworkers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Agriculture*
  • Child
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Hand Disinfection
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health*
  • Parents
  • Pesticide Residues*
  • Research Design
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Pesticide Residues