Rural PREP Grand Rounds: Agricultural Exposures: Organophosphate Pesticide Poisoning and Prevention

Abstract

Organophosphate pesticides are applied to crops throughout the US. These are known
neurotoxins, and workers and other members of rural populations are at risk of
exposure. Understanding the context of application and exposure is helpful for recommending
methods for prevention.

Learning Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the signs and symptoms of acute organophosphate pesticide poisoning
2. Describe the use of cholinesterase monitoring as a possible diagnosis tool
3. Apply the hierarchy of control to prevent pesticide exposure or poisoning

Pre-Session Review Content & Assignment

Prior to the January Grand Rounds event, participants should:
1. Read Fenske, Lu, Negrete, and Galvin’s (2018) “Breaking the Take Home Pesticide Exposure Pathway forAgricultural Families: Workplace Predictors of Residential Contamination”
2. Read Calvert, Rodriguez, and Prado’s “Worker Illness Related to Newly Marketed Pesticides — Douglas County,Washington, 2014”
3. Watch a video from the Healthier Workforce Center, available on YouTube

Presenter

Diane Rohlman, PhD
Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Rural Health and Safety, University of Iowa