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. 2017;22(2):89-99.
doi: 10.1080/1059924X.2017.1282906.

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

Valerie Vi Thien Mac  1 , Jose Antonio Tovar-Aguilar  2 , Joan Flocks  3 , Eugenia Economos  2 , Vicki S Hertzberg  1 , Linda A McCauley  1
Affiliations

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

Valerie Vi Thien Mac et al. J Agromedicine. 2017.

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.

Keywords: Biomonitoring; farmworkers; heat-related illness.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Placement of biomonitoring equipment utilized in summer 2013.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sample CorTemp raw data for one participant in 2013.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sample energy expenditure data for one participant in 2013.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Sample dehydration assessment data for one participant in 2013.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Sample participant quotes from exit interviews.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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