Grantee Research Project Results

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: Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions
Center Director: Robinson, Allen
Title: Community-Based Participatory Research Project
Investigators: Faustman, Elaine
Institution: University of Washington
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2008 (Extended to October 31, 2010)
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) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health

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

Publications Views
Other subproject views:	All 14 publications	10 publications in selected types	All 10 journal articles
Other center views:	All 175 publications	127 publications in selected types	All 107 journal articles

Publications
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.	R831709 (2005) R831709 (2006) R831709 (2007) R831709C003 (2006) R831709C003 (2007) R832740 (Final)	Abstract from PubMed Full-text: DeepBlue-Full Text PDF Exit Abstract: Wiley-Abstract Exit
Journal Article	Thompson B, Coronado GD, Vigoren EM, Griffith WC, Fenske RA, Kissel JC, Shirai JH, Faustman EM. Para niños saludables:a community intervention trial to reduce organophosphate pesticide exposure in children of farmworkers.Environmental Health Perspectives 2008;116(5):687-694.	R831709 (2005) R831709 (2007) R831709C003 (2007)	Full-text from PubMed Abstract from PubMed Associated PubMed link

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
, RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Environmental Chemistry, Health Risk Assessment, Biochemistry, Children's Health, Risk Assessment, environmental health, health effects, pesticide exposure, community-based intervention, developmental neurotoxicity, biological response, environmental risks, Human Health Risk Assessment, assessment of exposure, children's vulnerablity

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R831709 Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions

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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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.