We have conducted a cross-sectional study of subclinical neurologic effects of chronic low-level occupational pesticide exposure in farmworkers in central Florida. Participants were identified from the membership list of a local Credit Union and recruited by staff of the Farmworkers Association of Florida, a grassroots organization repre-senting farmworkers. Field work is complete; 250 exposed workers from three types of agriculture -- ferns, nurseries, and citrus -- and 70 control workers with relatively little experience in agriculture were enrolled in the study. Approximately 85% of the partici-pants were Hispanic; both men and women were included. Exposure to pesticides was assessed using a structured in-person interview which collected information about lifetime history of farmwork, pesticide poisoning, and pesticide hygiene as well as work practices in specific types of agriculture. Neurologic function was assessed using a battery of tests, including neuro-behavioral tests of cognitive and psychomotor function, tests of vision, a test of vibrotactile sensitivity to evaluate peripheral neuropathy, and a test of postural sway, to assess equilibrium. Data analysis is presently underway. Paraoxonase polymorphisms are being analyzed to evaluate the role of genetic susceptibility.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01ES049020-05
Application #
6432326
Study Section
Epidemiology and Biometry Training Committee (EB)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Inst of Environ Hlth Scis
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code
Kamel, Freya; Rowland, Andrew S; Park, Lawrence P et al. (2003) Neurobehavioral performance and work experience in Florida farmworkers. Environ Health Perspect 111:1765-72
Kamel, F; Moreno, T; Rowland, A S et al. (2001) Recruiting a community sample in collaboration with farmworkers. Environ Health Perspect 109 Suppl 3:457-9