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Pesticides in the Homes of Farmworkers

Latino Mothers' Perceptions of Risk to Their Children's Health

Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Sara A. Quandt, PhD

Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Alicia M. Doran, BA

Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Beverly M. Snively, PhD

Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Thomas A. Arcury, PhD

Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Pesticide exposure has been linked with immediate and delayed health effects. Anyone who lives in a farmworker household may be exposed to pesticides. Studies with farmworkers have found generally low levels of awareness of pesticide exposure and prevention. Less is known about the perceptions of nonfarmworkers living with farmworkers. This article presents the results of 41 in-depth interviews conducted with Latino women in farmworker households regarding their knowledge of pesticides and perceptions of risk to their children's health. Their perceptions and behavior differ from scientific understanding and policy recommendations for exposure management, resulting in behaviors that may increase children's risk of exposure and subsequent health problems. Because the level at which exposure becomes harmful remains a subject of scientific debate, the wisest course of action is to minimize exposure (the precautionary principle). Families living in farmworker households would benefit from health education programs that target their specific needs.

Key Words: pesticide exposure • risk perception • farmworker families • precautionary principle

This version was published on April 1, 2007

Health Education & Behavior, Vol. 34, No. 2, 335-353 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1090198106288045


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