The NAWS is an annual employment-based questionnaire survey of farm workers conducted by the DOL. Approx. 2500 interviews/year have been conducted since 1988. In 1997, the EPA estimates that 944 million pounds of pesticide active ingredient were used in the U.S. agricultural sector (50% herbicides, 9% insecticide, 6% fungicides and 35% other). This project profiles the work and demographic characteristics of farm workers (from the NAWS) and compares this information to the regional and state-based pesticide use patterns (from EPA estimates). From Jan 1989 - June 1997, the NAWS has conducted approx. 20,000 interviews with farm workers. Demographic, work, health and family-related information was analyzed and then compared with pesticide industry sales and usage estimates using mapping techniques. Prelim. findings include: 80% male farm workers, 75% speak Spanish as primary language, 2/3 of Mexican heritage, 48% change residences each year, 47% receive pesticide safety instructions, and 1/5 apply or mix pesticides. Maps will contrast survey findings with pesticide data to show possible work, health and pesticide use relationships.
Learning Objectives: (1)Acquire knowledge on the work and exposure characteristics of farm workers (2)Will be able to recognize the risk factors associated with farm work and identify pesticide use patterns in the U.S. (3)Will assess the strengths and limitations of the associations highlighted by the mapping comparison of work/health traits and pesticide use
Keywords: Agricultural Work Safety, Pesticide Exposure
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Labor have compiled the data bases that will be used in the analysis
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the US Public Health Service and am on detail to the US EPA.