Prenatal exposure to pesticides: A feasibility study among migrant and seasonal farmworkers

Background Migrant and seasonal farmworkers have a high potential for pesti cide exposures, yet are rarely included in epidemiologic studies. This stud y examined the feasibility of assessing prenatal exposures to pesticides an d other compounds in pregnant Hispanic farmworkers. Methods Nine women completed a survey about work experiences during pregnan cy. Maternal urine, cord blood, and placenta samples were obtained at deliv ery for analysis of 51 analytes, including 6 phenoxy acid or triazine herbi cides, 21 organochlorine insecticides, 10 PCBs, and 14 volatile organic com pounds. Results Seven of 51 analytes were found in the biological samples. DDE, DDT dichlorbenzene, toluene, trimethylbenzene, and endosulfan sulfate were det ected ill cord blood samples, and 2,4-D in urine from one or more women. Conclusions We documented the feasibility of following farmworkers to asses s in utero exposure to pesticides and other contaminants, and demonstrated exposure to these compounds. Difficulties in measuring pesticides with shor t half lives were noted. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.