1. Preschool-Age Children's Pesticide Exposures in Child Care Centers and at Home in Northern California
- Author
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Alkon, Abbey, Gunier, Robert B, Hazard, Kimberly, Castorina, Rosemary, Hoffman, Peter D, Scott, Richard P, Anderson, Kim A, and Bradman, Asa
- Subjects
Paediatrics ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Nursing ,Health Sciences ,Pediatric ,Rural Health ,Prevention ,Clinical Research ,Climate-Related Exposures and Conditions ,Pediatric Research Initiative ,Good Health and Well Being ,Agriculture ,California ,Child ,Child Care ,Child Day Care Centers ,Child ,Preschool ,Environmental Exposure ,Humans ,Pesticides ,Environmental health ,pesticides ,children ,child care ,Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine ,Pediatrics - Abstract
IntroductionYoung children may be exposed to pesticides used in child care centers and their family homes. We examined pesticide use and environmental and behavioral factors potentially associated with child exposures in these settings.MethodPreschool-age children (n = 125) wore silicone wristbands to assess pesticide exposures in their child care centers and home environments. Information about environmental and behavioral exposure determinants was collected using parent surveys, child care director interviews, and observations.ResultsCommonly detected pesticides were bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, fipronil, and cis- and trans-permethrin. Pesticide chemical storage onsite, cracks in the walls, using doormats, observed pests, or evidence of pests were associated with child exposures. Exposures were higher in counties with higher agricultural or commercial pesticide use or when children lived in homes near agricultural fields.DiscussionYoung children are being exposed to harmful pesticides, and interventions are needed to lower their risk of health problems later in life.
- Published
- 2022