Abstract
Use of pesticides in agriculture may lead to downstream
exposure of farmers’ families to pesticide residues inadvertently taken home.
Identification of the independent contribution of different exposure pathways
from the farmer to their children can provide clear targets to reduce exposure
of farmers’ children. Individual contributions of different pesticide transfer
exposure pathways were investigated using structural equation modeling
methods, and the benefits of these methods compared to standard multiple
regression are described. A total of 72 Thai families, consisting of a farmer, a
spouse, and a child, participated in this study. Family members completed a
questionnaire and self-collected three spot morning urine samples in the
spraying season. Urine samples were analyzed for diethyl phosphate, diethyl
thiophosphate, diethyl dithiophosphate, dimethyl phosphate, dimethyl
thiophosphate, and dimethyl dithiophosphate. A path model was developed
based on an a priori hypothesized framework to examine the individual contributions of different exposure pathways that may
directly or indirectly affect transfer of pesticide residues from farmers to their children. Transfer from the farmer to the child
occurs indirectly, primarily through transfer to the spouse in the first instance, but also through contamination of the home
environment. Clear targets for interventions are directly the reduction of farmers’ take-home exposures and indirectly frequent
cleaning of the home to avoid buildup of pesticide residues.
exposure of farmers’ families to pesticide residues inadvertently taken home.
Identification of the independent contribution of different exposure pathways
from the farmer to their children can provide clear targets to reduce exposure
of farmers’ children. Individual contributions of different pesticide transfer
exposure pathways were investigated using structural equation modeling
methods, and the benefits of these methods compared to standard multiple
regression are described. A total of 72 Thai families, consisting of a farmer, a
spouse, and a child, participated in this study. Family members completed a
questionnaire and self-collected three spot morning urine samples in the
spraying season. Urine samples were analyzed for diethyl phosphate, diethyl
thiophosphate, diethyl dithiophosphate, dimethyl phosphate, dimethyl
thiophosphate, and dimethyl dithiophosphate. A path model was developed
based on an a priori hypothesized framework to examine the individual contributions of different exposure pathways that may
directly or indirectly affect transfer of pesticide residues from farmers to their children. Transfer from the farmer to the child
occurs indirectly, primarily through transfer to the spouse in the first instance, but also through contamination of the home
environment. Clear targets for interventions are directly the reduction of farmers’ take-home exposures and indirectly frequent
cleaning of the home to avoid buildup of pesticide residues.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 562-569 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Environmental Science & Technology |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |