@article{ref1,
title="Heat exposure in Central Florida fernery workers: results of a feasibility study",
journal="Journal of agromedicine",
year="2017",
author="Vi Thien Mac, Valerie and Tovar-Aguilar, Jose Antonio and Flocks, Joan and Economos, Jeannie and Hertzberg, Vicki and McCauley, Linda A.",
volume="22",
number="2",
pages="89-99",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of field-based biomonitoring of heat-related illness (HRI) phenomena in Florida farmworkers. We determined feasibility through participant interviews regarding acceptability, data capture, recruitment and retention, and observed barriers and challenges to implementation. <br><br>METHODS: Study participants were employed in fernery operations in northeast Central Florida where ornamental ferns are grown and harvested in a seasonally high heat environment. In this pilot, a total of 43 farmworkers participated during summers 2012 and 2013 and measurements included: body core temperature, heart rate, energy expenditure, urine and blood osmolality, and self-reported HRI symptoms. <br><br>RESULTS: Data capture was 90%. Participants reported that the study methods were non-obtrusive to their work, and that they were comfortable with study measures. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results open possibilities for characterizing heat-related illness utilizing physiologic biomonitoring in vulnerable occupational groups.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1059-924X",
doi="10.1080/1059924X.2017.1282906",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2017.1282906"
}