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The Farm Family Pesticide Study is an important addition to understanding the extent of and potential for pesticide exposure among people who live on farms. The biomonitoring study, which scientifically measured the internal exposure of pesticide applicators, their spouses and children, fills a void not addressed by some studies that assume pesticide exposure based on participants’ response to questionnaires.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota, is the most comprehensive assessment to date of pesticide exposure for farm spouses and children. Ninety-five farm families in Minnesota and South Carolina provided urine samples 24 hours a day for four days after pesticides were applied on their farms. They also provided a baseline 24-hour sample the day before application. By analyzing the amount of pesticide in the urine, scientists were able to calculate how much pesticide exposure resulted from the single on-farm application. This unique study is providing information on real-world pesticide exposure among farmers and their families and how farm families can minimize pesticide exposure. It also is helping to improve the practice of exposure assessment in agricultural epidemiologic studies.
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