Residential pesticide use is widespread in the U.S., with the organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids generally used for insect control. However, few data are available specific to pesticide use among minority populations. As part of research being conducted by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, we have gathered questionnaire data on pesticide use during pregnancy from 131 African American and Dominican women residing in Washington Heights, Harlem and the South Bronx. Additionally, 72 of the women underwent personal ambient air monitoring for 48 hours during the 3rd trimester to determine exposures to 23 different pesticides. Of the women questioned, 34% report that their homes were sprayed by an exterminator during the pregnancy, with 47% of those saying the spraying was done once per month or more. A third of the women also report use of can sprays. 90% of the pesticide use was for cockroach control. Of the women monitored, all (100%) were simultaneously exposed to two organophosphates, diazinon (range in air concentrations 2.0-6000 ng/m3) and chlorpyrifos (range 0.7-193 ng/m,3), and to the carbamate, propoxur (range 3.8-1380 ng/m3). Exposures to the other pesticides varied and will be reported. These results show widespread pesticide exposures among these minority women and are of concern in light of experimental evidence linking organophosphate exposure during pregnancy to adverse neurocognitive development in offspring.
Learning Objectives: Pesentation will present reseach on pesticide exposures during pregnancy among minority women from New York City. Potential health risks will also be discussed. The extent of exposure seen in this minority population will be compared to that seen among other non-minority cohorts
Keywords: Pesticides, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.