Washington’s new medical monitoring identifying a large number of exposed farm workers
Data released by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (LNI) shows the newly implemented medical monitoring program of pesticides is identifying large numbers of farm workers who are being overexposed to dangerous pesticides.
As of May 12, 2004, LNI reports a total of 2,665 baselines tests, more than double the number originally anticipated. In addition, 345 follow up tests were taken, with 82 employees identified with depressed cholinesterase levels so as to warrant a workplace investigation. An additional 20 workers were identified as having been exposed to pesticides to such a degree as to be removed from any work duties that would result in additional exposure.
“These results clearly establish that farm workers continue to suffer dangerous levels of exposure to some of the most toxic pesticides used,” said Erik Nicholson, Pacific Northwest regional director for the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO. “These numbers, so early in the spray season, clearly establish the need for this regulation,” he added.
In a stakeholder meeting earlier this week, a scientific oversight committee unanimously endorsed the quality of the reported data.
While the data establishes that farm workers are being overexposed to pesticides, LNI could not confirm that any of the exposed workers had been removed from job duties that would result in additional exposure.
“We are extremely concerned about LNI’s slow response to make sure identified workers are being fully protected, said Nicholson. “We want to make sure these workers are receiving the full protection afforded to them under this regulation.”
Agricultural employer organizations have opposed this monitoring program, deeming it unnecessary.
Under the rule, workers who work with pesticides receive a blood test prior to the spray season to establish a baseline for the cholinesterase enzyme. Once they have worked with two classes of pesticides for 50 hours in a 30-day period, they go in for a periodic blood draw. If there is a 20 to 29 percent depressions of cholinesterase, the regulation calls for a workplace investigation. Depressions of 30 percent or greater mandate the removal of the employee from any duties that would require additional exposure to pesticides.
Data released by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (LNI) shows the newly implemented medical monitoring program of pesticides is identifying large numbers of farm workers who are being overexposed to dangerous pesticides.
As of May 12, 2004, LNI reports a total of 2,665 baselines tests, more than double the number originally anticipated. In addition, 345 follow up tests were taken, with 82 employees identified with depressed cholinesterase levels so as to warrant a workplace investigation. An additional 20 workers were identified as having been exposed to pesticides to such a degree as to be removed from any work duties that would result in additional exposure.
“These results clearly establish that farm workers continue to suffer dangerous levels of exposure to some of the most toxic pesticides used,” said Erik Nicholson, Pacific Northwest regional director for the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO. “These numbers, so early in the spray season, clearly establish the need for this regulation,” he added.
In a stakeholder meeting earlier this week, a scientific oversight committee unanimously endorsed the quality of the reported data.
While the data establishes that farm workers are being overexposed to pesticides, LNI could not confirm that any of the exposed workers had been removed from job duties that would result in additional exposure.
“We are extremely concerned about LNI’s slow response to make sure identified workers are being fully protected, said Nicholson. “We want to make sure these workers are receiving the full protection afforded to them under this regulation.”
Agricultural employer organizations have opposed this monitoring program, deeming it unnecessary.
Under the rule, workers who work with pesticides receive a blood test prior to the spray season to establish a baseline for the cholinesterase enzyme. Once they have worked with two classes of pesticides for 50 hours in a 30-day period, they go in for a periodic blood draw. If there is a 20 to 29 percent depressions of cholinesterase, the regulation calls for a workplace investigation. Depressions of 30 percent or greater mandate the removal of the employee from any duties that would require additional exposure to pesticides.
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