Citation

Vi Thien Mac V, Tovar-Aguilar JA, Flocks J, Economos J, Hertzberg V, McCauley LA. J. Agromed. 2017; 22(2): 89-99.

Affiliation

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of NursingEmory University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2017.1282906

PMID

28118110

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of field-based biomonitoring of heat-related illness (HRI) phenomena in Florida farmworkers. We determined feasibility through participant interviews regarding acceptability, data capture, recruitment and retention, and observed barriers and challenges to implementation.

METHODS: Study participants were employed in fernery operations in northeast Central Florida where ornamental ferns are grown and harvested in a seasonally high heat environment. In this pilot, a total of 43 farmworkers participated during summers 2012 and 2013 and measurements included: body core temperature, heart rate, energy expenditure, urine and blood osmolality, and self-reported HRI symptoms.

RESULTS: Data capture was 90%. Participants reported that the study methods were non-obtrusive to their work, and that they were comfortable with study measures.

CONCLUSIONS: These results open possibilities for characterizing heat-related illness utilizing physiologic biomonitoring in vulnerable occupational groups.

Language: en

Keywords

Biomonitoring; Farmworkers; Heat-Related Illness