A Feasibility Study of the Use of Dust Wipes to Assess Pesticide Exposures in Migrant Farmworker Families
Author: Shipp, Eva M.
Date Published: 2006
Exposure assessment in migrant farmworker populations is difficult since the population travels seasonally for employment in temporary work environments. This 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. 27 samples from 7 mothers 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.
Date Published: 2006
Exposure assessment in migrant farmworker populations is difficult since the population travels seasonally for employment in temporary work environments. This 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. 27 samples from 7 mothers 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.
