A feasibility study of the use of dust wipe samples to assess pesticide exposures in migrant farmworker families.
While documentation of pesticide exposure among agricultural workers is increasing, similar data describing exposure in migrant farmworkers is lacking. Exposure assessment in migrant farmworker populations is difficult since this population travels seasonally for employment in temporary work environments. The present feasibility study addressed these obstacles by teaching participants to obtain dust samples that could be used to measure pesticide exposure at the time of exposure during the migration season. Using floor dust wipes in their temporary housing, mothers were asked to collect and return via U.S. mail, one house dust sample per week for four weeks. Of 10 mothers invited to participate in 2003, seven mothers submitted a total of 27 samples. Samples underwent chemical analysis for organophosphate and triazine pesticides. One or more pesticides were present in dust extracts at concentrations above the detection limit in 24 samples. Results indicate that farmworker mothers are willing and able to collect and return repeated samples while migrating.
Shipp
Eva M
EM
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, College Station, TX 77843-1266, USA. emshipp@srph.tamhsc.edu
Cooper
Sharon P
SP
Donnelly
Kirby C
KC
Nalbone
J Torey
JT
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D014195:Travel
D004391:Dust; D010573:Pesticide Residues