Welcome to Module #4: "Pesticide Exposure and Poisoning". 

This module is designed to introduce you to the important issues in pesticide exposure and poisoning especially in migrant farmworkers. However, the reader is also reminded that the farmworkers are not the only ones that are at risk - their family members (including their children) who generally live in the same area as the agricultural fields that are sprayed are also at a significant risk. Unfortunately, the amount of research involving farmworker populations is scarce making it difficult to accurately determine the true impact of pesticide-related illness on the farms and in the fields.

After completing this module, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the incidence and prevalence of pesticide-illness and the most common pesticides exposure and their associated morbidity & mortality from exposure and poisoning;
• Describe the barriers to good occupational health for the migrant farmworkers as it relates to pesticide-related illness;
• Recognize the associated health problems with pesticide applications including signs and symtoms of exposure and acute poisoning;
• Analyze possible preventive measures with emphasis on those State programs that have met with success.

 
In this module you will need to complete all of the components that have been provided for you to receive full credit. These components will include:
• Pre-test (to see how much you already know and don't know about this subject)
• Reading Assignment #1: "Pesticide-related Illness Among Migrant Farm Workers in the United States" (1);
• Case 1
• Reading Assignment #2: Recognition and Managment of Pesticide Poisoning, 5th Edition (2)
• Read Section I. Chapter 1. Introduction. pp. 5-6;
• Read Section I. Chapter 3. Environmental and Occupational History.pp. 17-32;
• Read Section II. Chapter 4. Organophosphate Insecticides. pp. 34-47;
• Read Section II. Chapter 5. N-Methyl Carbamate. pp. 48-54;
• Read Section V. Index of Signs and Symptoms. pp.210-222
• Post-test (to see how much you learned)
• Evaluation


We would suggest that you approach this module in a sequential manner as it is layed out for you. The buttons on the left margin will allow you to return to any particular section. We would suggest that you avoid the temptation to jump around and not read all of the content provided. At the bottom right hand corner of each section you will find a link taking you to the next section of the module. 

Start with the "Pre-test". Be sure to complete all of the questions and don't forget to click on the "Submit" button. Then move on to the "Reading #1", "Case 1", and "Reading #2". Review all of the learning material provided to you. Finally, finish with the "Post-test" and submit your answers. We also ask that you complete a short evaluation about the module (this is part of the assignment - so please complete the evaluation!). Your feedback will help us in making this learning module as effective as it can be. Contact Pam Racansky if you have any problems with the module. Good luck!

-TOP-

1. Das R, Steege A, Baron S, Beckman J, Harrison R (2001). Pesticide-related illness among farm workers in the U.S. Int J Occup Environ Health 2001;7:303-312.

2. Reigart JR, Roberts JR.  Recognition and Managment of Pesticide Poisoning, 5th edition, 1999. National Pesticide Telecommunication Network. Accessed on 1/10/2008 at http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/rmpp.htm