2007 Progress Report:
Community-Based Participatory Research Project
EPA Grant Number: R831709C003
Subproject: this is subproject number 003 , established and managed by the Center Director under
grant R831709
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center:
University of Washington Center for Child Environmental Health Risks Research
Center Director:
Faustman, Elaine
Title: Community-Based Participatory Research Project
Investigators:
Faustman, Elaine
Institution:
University of Washington
EPA Project Officer:
Fields, Nigel
Project Period:
November 1, 2003 through
October 31, 2008
Project Period Covered by this Report:
November 1, 2006 through October 31,2007
RFA:
Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2003)
Research Category:
Health Effects
,
Children's Health
Description:
Objective:
The objectives of the research project are to: (1) intervene to reduce children’s exposure to pesticides, including the development of a culturally appropriate intervention to break the take-home pathway; and (2) foster partnerships between academic researchers and the community in which information requested by the community and basic research deficiencies/gaps are translated into studies that address the health needs of both.
As a result of receipt of donor funds, we were able to increase the scope of work for this research project to include collection of additional biological specimens that will enhance the project further. The additional tasks include: (1) comparing the levels of organophosphorus pesticide (OP) parent compounds in the blood of adult farmworkers and non-farmworkers, adjusting for the multiple pathways; (2) compare levels of pesticide residues in saliva to those in urine and blood to determine reliability and validity of data and to assess more accurately the presence of OPs; (3) conduct blood analysis through finger sticks to ascertain cholinesterase levels; and (4) conduct analysis of buccal cell samples in adults and children of farmworkers and nonfarmworkers to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity of OPs.
Progress Summary:
Data collection among farmworkers and non-farmworkers is complete. Local interviewers were hired and trained in study procedures. Study participants were recruited and data collection during the thinning, harvest, and non-spray seasons has been completed. During the thinning and non-spray seasons, data collection included an initial and follow-up survey, as well as collecting urine, venous blood, finger stick blood, buccal cells, saliva, and house and vehicle dust samples from farmworker and non-farmworker families as outlined in the study protocol. During the harvest season, data collection included an initial and follow-up survey, as well as collecting urine and house and vehicle dust samples from farmworker and non-farmworker families as outlined in the study protocol. The collected specimen samples were shipped to CDC and the University of Washington for analyses. Analyses are currently under way.
All surveys have been data entered and a dataset for analyses is currently being compiled.
In the fall of 2006, we completed data collection among 50 warehouse worker adults/children. Two local interviewers were trained to conduct an initial and follow-up survey among adults who worked in apple or pear packing plants. Interviewers also collected urine samples from the adult and child and dust from the home and vehicle. The collected specimen samples were shipped to the CDC and the University of Washington for analyses. Data analyses are currently under way.
SIGNIFICANCE: Perhaps the most significant achievements are two: first, we provided empirical support for the take-home pathway of pesticides to the children of farmworkers; second, we demonstrated that the urinary metabolites of pesticides among children were directly associated with urinary metabolites of the farmworker in the household.
Once the data for this study are analyzed, we will be able to identify the parent compound of OP pesticides in blood. We also will be able to examine cholinesterase levels in farmworkers (as opposed to pesticide handlers) and in their children.
Another innovative achievement is the ability and practice of providing accurate scientific data to farmworkers and growers in the Valley. This led to numerous opportunities to address media throughout the state and country.
This study is one of the largest studies done with farmworkers and pesticide exposure that provides data from biomarkers as well as survey information.
Future Activities:
For the next funding period, we are working with the Centers for Disease Control and the University of Washington to analyze the biological samples. Following data analyses, we plan to disseminate urinary metabolite results to adult and child farmworkers and non-farmworkers during a one-time house visit. In addition to learning about their metabolite levels, participants will receive a handbook prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency, titled, “Protegiendo Nuestro Futuro” that provides information about the symptoms related to pesticide exposure, how to protect oneself from exposure in the workplace, what to do if exposed, and strategies to reduce pesticide exposure in the home.
We will work with the local Spanish-speaking radio station to disseminate messages on pesticide safety and protection.
Journal Articles on this Report: 2 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Type |
Citation |
Sub Project
Document Sources |
|
Journal Article
|
Strong LL, Thompson B, Koepsell TD, Meischke H. Factors associated with pesticide safety practices in farmworkers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2008;51(1):69-81.
|
R831709C003 (2007)
|
Abstract from PubMed
Full-text: Wiley PDF
|
Journal Article
|
Thompson B, Coronado GD, Vigoren EM, Griffith WC, Fenske RA, Kissel JC, Shirai JH, Faustman EM. Para ninos saludables: a community intervention trial to reduce organophosphate pesticide exposure in children of farmworkers.Environmental Health Perspectives 2008;116(5):687-694.
|
R831709 (2005)
R831709C003 (2007)
|
Full-text from PubMed
Abstract from PubMed
Full-text: EHP Full Text
Other: EHP PDF
|
Supplemental Keywords:
children’s health, epidemiology, genetics, health risk assessment, risk assessment, assessment of exposure, asthma, children’s environmental health, diesel exhaust, environmental risks, exposure assessment, genetic mechanisms, genetic risk factors, genetic susceptibility, maternal exposure, nutritional risk factors, Environmental Management, Scientific Discipline, Health, RFA, Risk Assessment, Health Risk Assessment, Children's Health, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, health effects, children's environmental health, assessment of exposure, developmental neurotoxicity, agricultural community, community-based intervention, pesticide exposure, genetic polymorphisms, biological response, environmental health, environmental risks, children's vulnerability
,
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Scientific Discipline, Health, RFA, Risk Assessment, Health Risk Assessment, Children's Health, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, health effects, children's environmental health, assessment of exposure, developmental neurotoxicity, community-based intervention, pesticide exposure, biological response, environmental health, environmental risks, children's vulnerablity
Progress and Final Reports:
2004 Progress Report
2005 Progress Report
2006 Progress Report
Original Abstract
Main Center Abstract and Reports:
R831709
University of Washington Center for Child Environmental Health Risks Research
Subprojects under this Center:
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R831709C001 Molecular Mechanisms of Pesticide-Induced Developmental Toxicity
R831709C002 Genetic Susceptibility to Pesticides
R831709C003 Community-Based Participatory Research Project
R831709C004 Pesticide Exposure Pathways Research Project
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