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Neurobehavioral performance and work experience in Florida farmworkers
Freya Kamel1, Andrew S Rowland, Lawrence P Park
1Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. kamel@niehs.nih.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Farmworkers exposed to neurotoxicants may experience cognitive and psychomotor deficits. Long-term farm work is linked to poorer neurobehavioral performance, even without pesticide poisoning history.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Farmworkers face significant occupational hazards, including exposure to neurotoxicants.
- Neurotoxicant exposure can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly affecting the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between farm work and neurobehavioral performance in Florida farmworkers.
- To compare neurobehavioral outcomes in farmworkers with a history of farm labor versus controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 288 farmworkers and 51 controls in central Florida were assessed.
- Neurobehavioral performance was evaluated using a battery of eight tests.
- Farm work history was collected via structured interviews, with analyses adjusted for confounders.
Main Results:
- Farm work was associated with poorer performance in digit span, tapping, Santa Ana test, and postural sway.
- Performance deficits correlated with the duration of farm work exposure.
- Associations were more consistent with fern work compared to nursery or citrus work.
Conclusions:
- Long-term farm work experience is associated with measurable deficits in cognitive and psychomotor functions.
- These deficits persist even in the absence of reported pesticide poisoning.
- Findings highlight the chronic impact of farm labor on neurological health.
