Migrant workers, often trapped in dangerous jobs because they have little or no education and are unable to speak English, are consistently exposed to health dangers. State and Federal officials are considering changing current regulations to provide more protection to migrant workers.
Researchers from the University of Florida's College of Medicine recently conducted a study that found farm owners often ignore regulations designed to protect workers from pesticide exposure.
During the study, nearly 400 Haitian and Mexican migrant workers were interviewed. Half of those interviewed complained of
skin rashes, 35% reported
headaches and swollen hands and 33% said they suffered from work related
allergies. The migrant workers attributed all of these health problems to frequent exposure to pesticides and other
chemicals.
See your doctor if you work in agriculture and have experienced serious health problems. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Agricultural Workers: Overview
- Allergies: Overview
- Birth Defects
- Blood Disorders: Overview
- Broken Bones: Overview
- Cancer
- Dislocation: Overview
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Green Tobacco Sickness: Overview
- Head & Brain Injury
- Joints & Muscles: Overview
- Loss of Limb
- Poisoning & Overdose: Overview
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Spinal Cord Injury