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Abstract
The objectives were to describe chemical use among farmers; to develop an exposure intensity score for three chemicals of interest: organophosphates (OPs), glyphosate (GP), and phenoxy herbicides (PHs). This was a cross-sectional study of a stratified random sample of farmers. Demographic, health and chemical use information were collected via questionnaire and an exposure level score developed. Within a sample of 586 farmers, 16 – 54% applied one or more of the chemicals. A high proportion of pastoral farmers used all the chemical types with 65% applying GP, 29% OPs and 19% PHs. Mean exposure scores were higher among women OP users, younger PH users, and arable farmers using PHs. This pesticide exposure score based on self-reported work practices among farmers can give an estimate of comparative annual exposure level. It can be used in analytical epidemiological studies and allows the identification of priority areas for intervention.
Acknowledgements
We thank Southern Public Health Services, M. Eason and J. Wright for carrying out the field work for this study, B. McNoe, S. Paulin and R. Lilley for their assistance with coding data, N. Robertson of Federated Farmers (Southland) and other members of our advisory group for their ongoing support and advice, and especially those members of the Southland farming community who took part. This study (and P. Herbison) were funded by the Health Research Council of NZ.