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

Overview

Journal J Agromedicine

Specialty Occupational Medicine

Date 2017 Jan 25

PMID 28118110

Citations 17

Authors

Valerie Vi Thien Mac

Jose Antonio Tovar-Aguilar

Joan Flocks

Eugenia Economos

Vicki S Hertzberg

Linda A McCauley

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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.

Citing Articles

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Mizelle E, Modly L, Smith D J Agromedicine. 2024; 29(3):477-485.

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A Pilot Study Examining the Use of Ultrasound to Measure Intravascular Volume Status in Agricultural Workers in a Field-Based Research Setting.

Suarez J, Elon L, Rangel-Rodriguez A, Xiuhtecutli N, Houser M, Hertzberg V J Occup Environ Med. 2023; 65(8):685-688.

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Soft Wireless Bioelectronics Designed for Real-Time, Continuous Health Monitoring of Farmworkers.

Kim Y, Kim J, Chicas R, Xiuhtecutli N, Matthews J, Zavanelli N Adv Healthc Mater. 2022; 11(13):e2200170.

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Modeling Energy Expenditure Estimation in Occupational Context by Actigraphy: A Multi Regression Mixed-Effects Model.

Lucena A, Guedes J, Vaz M, Silva L, Bustos D, Souza E Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(19).

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Autonomic, endocrine, and psychological stress responses to different forms of blood draw.

Lorenz T PLoS One. 2021; 16(9):e0257110.

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