Rising Temperatures Increase Danger of Pesticides for Farmworkers

Increased Vulnerability to Pesticides

A growing body of research suggests that rising temperatures intensify the dangers of pesticides for the nation's 2.4 million farmworkers. Heat stresses the human body, making it more susceptible to the effects of pesticides and other toxic substances. Protective clothing worn by farmworkers in hot conditions further contributes to this stress.

Enhanced Exposure and Toxicity

Higher temperatures can lead to increased evaporation rates of pesticides, resulting in greater exposure for farmworkers as more chemicals are applied to crops. Additionally, heat can accelerate the chemical transformation of pesticides into more toxic compounds. Omanjana Goswami, a scientist at the Union for Concerned Scientists, noted that sweating in hot conditions increases skin pore size, facilitating greater absorption of airborne pesticides.

Projected Increase in Pesticide Use

Beyond the direct impact on workers, rising temperatures are expected to expand overall pesticide use. A report by the Union for Concerned Scientists indicates that pests and pathogens will enlarge their ranges, and more weeds will emerge in crops, necessitating increased chemical applications. This trend will further elevate the risk of exposure for farmworkers.

Underreported Health Crisis

Thousands of US farmworkers annually suffer from acute pesticide poisoning, though data is limited and many cases go unreported, according to the Union for Concerned Scientists report, citing the Environmental Protection Agency. This problem disproportionately affects a vulnerable population, as a majority of US farmworkers are immigrants and people of color.