The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70997

Linda McCauley, PhD¹, Jennifer Scherer, MPH², and Joan Rothlein, PhD². (1) Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., mail code L606, Portland, OR 97201, 503-494-2501, mccauley@ohsu.edu, (2) Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd.L606, Portland, OR 97201

Adolescent farmworkers represent an understudied occupational group who may be at increased risk for injuries and illnesses related to the nature of agricultural work. We conducted a two-year investigation of a cross-sectional sample of adolescent farmworkers in Oregon. These adolescents came from communities throughout the state and had differences in levels of migrant work, education and living patterns. The large majority of these workers have not received the EPA Worker Protection Standard training for pesticide safety. Approximately 20% of these adolescents reported that they had been involved in mixing and/or applying pesticides in the course of their work. This paper describes the results of interviews that we held with the adolescents who reported this work activity. We will discuss our findings regarding the circumstances in which they engage in this work, the training they receive, and their knowledge of the chemicals they work with. Current legislation regarding pesticide handling among adolescent farmworkers will be reviewed and potential gaps in the law to protect the health and safety of youth workers will be explored.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
• Describe legislation designed to safeguard adolescents from work with hazardous chemicals.
• Identify circumstances in which adolescents do engage in the handling of pesticides.

Keywords: Pesticide Exposure, Youth at Work

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.