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Seasonal pesticide use in a rural community on the US/Mexico border

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 14, pages 473–478 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

An environmental measurement and correlation study of infant and toddler exposure to pesticides was carried out in a colonia south of the city of Laredo, Texas. As part of the study, homes were visited during the late spring or summer, and during the winter of 2000–2001. At each visit, families reported on their use of pesticides in and around the home and floor wipe samples were collected and analyzed for 14 organophosphate and triazine pesticides. Selection of homes was based on the presence of infants and toddlers. A total of 27 homes participated in both seasonal visits. The interval between visits was 6±1.4 months. Univariate and multivariate nonparametric analyses were carried out using SPSS® statistical software. Pesticide use within the home was more often reported than outside use and showed seasonal variation in use patterns. Indoor use was primarily associated with ants and cockroaches, and secondarily with rodents. The primary room treated was the kitchen, and the primary structures treated were the floors, lower walls, and dish cupboards. Seasonal variations were not found in the use of pesticides used outside the home and outdoor use was primarily associated with ant control. Based on parent reports, most pesticides used in the homes were pyrethroids. Several of the pesticides measured in floor wipe samples, Azinphos methyl, Fonofos, and Simazine, also showed seasonal variations. However, these pesticides are used in agriculture and were not associated with reported house and yard use patterns.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by EPA STAR Grant # R827440 and NIEHS Grants to the Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Piscataway, NJ (P30-ES-05022) and the Center for Environmental and Rural Health at Texas A&M University (P30-ES-09106). The study protocol, questionnaires, and letter of consent were all reviewed and approved by UMDNJ-RWJMS Institutional Review Board (IRB# 2708).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, a jointly sponsored institute of Rutgers the State University of New Jersey and University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA

    Natalie C G Freeman, Stuart L Shalat, Kathleen Black & Marta Jimenez

  2. Center for Environmental and Rural Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Kirby C Donnelly & A Calvin

  3. TDI-Brooks International, College Station, TX, USA

    Juan Ramirez

Authors
  1. Natalie C G Freeman
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  2. Stuart L Shalat
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  3. Kathleen Black
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  4. Marta Jimenez
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  5. Kirby C Donnelly
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  6. A Calvin
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  7. Juan Ramirez
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Correspondence to Natalie C G Freeman.

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Freeman, N., Shalat, S., Black, K. et al. Seasonal pesticide use in a rural community on the US/Mexico border. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 14, 473–478 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jea.7500346

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jea.7500346

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