A pilot study of symptoms of neurotoxicity and injury among adolescent farmworkers in Starr County, Texas

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2010 Apr-Jun;16(2):138-44.

Abstract

Little is known regarding the relationship between neurotoxicity symptoms and injury, particularly among adolescent farmworkers. This pilot study utilized logistic regression to analyze injury prevalence in relation to self-reported symptoms of neurotoxicity among adolescent farmworkers along the US-Mexico border in Texas. Respondents reporting at least five symptoms had 8.75 (95% CI, 1.89-40.54) times the prevalence of injury compared with those reporting zero or one symptom. Significant associations were observed for six items: trouble remembering things, family noticing memory loss, making notes, irritated for no reason, heart pounding, and tingling. This pilot study suggests a relationship between symptoms of neurotoxicity and injury among adolescent farmworkers, supporting the need for more rigorous investigations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Agrochemicals / toxicity*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / etiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Texas / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology*

Substances

  • Agrochemicals