Preventing Heat-Related Illness among Hispanic Farmworkers
Abstract
Hispanic and Latino farmworkers are at risk for negative occupational health and safety outcomes due to issues such as their extreme work conditions, their reliance on employer beneficence, and cultural barriers. The purpose of this article is to explain the unique characteristics of heat-related illness in the Hispanic agricultural work force and to provide an overview of the problems of poor hydration and heat exposure in this population. Culturally appropriate preventive strategies are discussed because industrial-type solutions may not work in a crop production environment where language and beliefs may interfere with adaptation.
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Biographies
Dr. Culp is Professor, Ms. Tonelli is a doctoral student, and Dr. Ramey is Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Dr. Donham and Dr. Fuortes are Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.
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Article first published online: January 1, 2011
Issue published: January 2011
PubMed: 21229935
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