Heat Exposure in Central Florida Fernery Workers: Results of a Feasibility Study

• Published in: Journal of agromedicine Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 89 - 99
• Main Authors: Mac, Valerie Vi Thien, Tovar-Aguilar, Jose Antonio, Flocks, Joan, Economos, Eugenia, Hertzberg, Vicki S., McCauley, Linda A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.01.2017; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Agricultural Workers' Diseases - epidemiology; Agricultural Workers' Diseases - metabolism; Agricultural Workers' Diseases - physiopathology; Agriculture - manpower; Biomonitoring; Energy Metabolism; Farmers - statistics & numerical data; Farmworkers; Feasibility Studies; Female; Florida; Heart Rate; Heat; Heat Stress Disorders - epidemiology; Heat Stress Disorders - metabolism; Heat Stress Disorders - physiopathology; heat-related illness; Hot Temperature; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational hazards; Self Report; Biomonitoring; farmworkers; heat-related illness
• ISSN: 1059-924X; 1545-0813
• DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2017.1282906

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of field-based biomonitoring of heat-related illness (HRI) phenomena in Florida farmworkers. The authors 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 approximately 90%. Participants reported that the study methods were nonobtrusive to their work, and that they were comfortable with study measures. Conclusions: These results open possibilities for characterizing HRI utilizing physiologic biomonitoring in vulnerable occupational groups.