Effectiveness of pesticide safety training and knowledge about pesticide exposure among Hispanic farmworkers.

BACKGROUND

Pesticide poisoning rates remain high among farmworkers despite programs aimed at reducing pesticide exposure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 Hispanic farmworkers in North Carolina. Farmworkers were interviewed to determine the association between pesticide safety training and knowledge about pesticides and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

RESULTS

Use of PPE was higher among farmworkers who reported wearing gloves reduced the harmful effects of pesticides (adjusted odds ratio, 5.73; 95% confidence interval, 2.20-14.92) and those who received pesticide safety training at the extension office or growers association (adjusted odds ratio, 44.62; 95% confidence interval, 3.96-503.33).

CONCLUSION

Some farmworkers are still not using PPE. Evaluation of Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standards pesticide safety training and requirements for providing PPE are crucial to encourage farm workers to use PPE.