Pesticide exposure beliefs among Latino farmworkers in North Carolina's Christmas tree industry

Background Pesticide exposure is a major preventable occupational hazard fo r farmworkers. This study examined the beliefs of Latino farmworkers in Nor th Carolina's Christmas tree industry regarding pesticide exposure. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Mexican male seasonal fa rmworkers. Participants discussed beliefs about agricultural chemicals, rou tes of exposure, and health effects of these chemicals. They also discussed their knowledge and use of pesticide safety practices and safety training received. Results Most farmworkers knew that pesticides could be harmful, though work ers varied in their levels of knowledge regarding routes of exposure, speci fic health effects of pesticides, and ways to avoid and reduce exposure. Wo rkers varied considerably in the amount of safety training received and use of safety practices. Perceived lack of control and health beliefs were sal ient factors that decreased workers' use of safety practices. Conclusions This study adds to the growing body of research which documents the health beliefs of Latino farmworkers in the U.S. relative to pesticide s and pesticide safety. This literature is beginning to show convergence on several points (e.g., farmworker knowledge of acute vs. long-term illness resulting from pesticide exposure), as well as regional variation in pestic ide safety beliefs. This study substantiates the need for pesticide safety education to address issues of control as well as beliefs. (C) 2001 Wiley-L iss, Inc.