Results are reported from a study that surveyed an ethnically diverse group of middle and high school students (N=475) in rural Oregon about their behaviors, understanding, and risk perceptions about household chemical use. Demographics of the sample were 35% Hispanic, 12% American Indian, 39% White, 6% Russian, and 7% other heritage. Forty-six percent of the students were male and 53% female. Approximately 35% of these students had participated in a science and math enrichment pipeline program designed to increase the number of minority and disadvantaged students who attend college. A majority of students lived in homes in which English was a second language. Preliminary findings indicate that there were significant gender, racial/ethnic, and grade level differences (p<.05) for the following parameters: (1)behaviors related to food safety, reading of product directions, use of protective gear, discussion of safe use of chemicals with family, and care of household chemicals; (2)students' understanding of warning labels, and the use of chemical products when warning labels are provided; and, (3) students' risk perceptions about selected household chemicals. Implications of these findings will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. summarize the gender differences of this school-aged group pertaining to practices and safety behaviors when using chemicals in the home. 2. discuss the implications that ethnic differences in understanding of warning labels may present to these school-aged children and their families. 3. describe the reported grade-level differences among this population related to risk perceptions about certain household chemicals
Keywords: Children, Risk Behavior
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.