Primary Presenter: Ashlee Johannes, MS Candidate, The University of Iowa
Additional Author: Kathy Leinenkugel, MPA, REHS, MT
Learning Objective: As a result of this session, attendees will be able to: 1) Identify common hazards of occupational pesticide exposures in Iowa 2) Understand the current status of human pesticide exposure surveillance in Iowa 3) State two or more limitations to data collection regarding this surveillance 4) Provide input for future pesticide surveillance goals and objectives
Abstract: Occupational pesticide exposures in Iowa are often reported to the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center. This data is periodically collected and tracked by the Iowa Pesticide Exposure Safety and Tracking (PEST) project within the Iowa Department of Public Health. Each report is examined to identify the type and EPA registration number of the pesticide involved, the workers’ industry and occupation classification, and their exposure‐related signs and symptoms. Based on these findings, the exposure is classified as a confirmed, probable, or possible case, or excluded as a case based on a case definition developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s Pesticide SENSOR program. Annual reports are developed to provide information about pesticide exposures causing illness or injury. The reports reflect information gathered about the types of pesticide involved, the industries and occupations with reported exposures, and the types of signs and symptoms reported. However, useful tracking of occupational pesticide exposures faces many challenges, including the under-reporting of exposure incidents and a lack of pertinent details for those exposures that are reported. This presentation will provide an overview of the current status of workplace pesticide exposure surveillance in Iowa, and opportunities for future improvements.
Special Note: Occupational pesticide exposures in Iowa are often reported to the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center. This data is periodically collected and tracked by the Iowa Pesticide Exposure Safety and Tracking (PEST) project within the Iowa Department of Public Health. Each report is examined to identify the type and EPA registration number of the pesticide involved, the workers’ industry and occupation classification, and their exposure-related signs and symptoms. Based on these findings, the exposure is classified as a confirmed, probable, or possible case, or excluded as a case based on a case definition developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s Pesticide SENSOR program.
Annual reports are developed to provide information about pesticide exposures causing illness or injury. The reports reflect information gathered about the types of pesticide involved, the industries and occupations with reported exposures, and the types of signs and symptoms reported. However, useful tracking of occupational pesticide exposures faces many challenges, including the under-reporting of exposure incidents and a lack of pertinent details for those exposures that are reported. This presentation will provide an overview of the current status of workplace pesticide exposure surveillance in Iowa, and opportunities for future improvements.
A/V needed: LCD Projector/Laptop
Oral presentation, 30 minutes