Australian work exposures studies: occupational exposure to pesticides
基于澳大利亚全国电话调查数据，估计了当前工作中接触农药的工人比例（4%），并发现男性、出生在澳大利亚、低学历及偏远地区工人暴露风险更高。
BACKGROUND: Pesticides are widely used in some occupational settings. Some pesticides have been classified as carcinogens; however, data on the number of workers exposed to pesticides are not available in Australia. The main aim of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of pesticide exposure in Australian workplaces. METHODS: The analysis used data from the Australian Work Exposures Study, a series of nationwide telephone surveys which investigated work-related prevalence and exposure to carcinogens and asthmagens, including pesticides, among current Australian workers. Information about the respondents' current job and various demographic factors was collected in a telephone interview using the web-based tool OccIDEAS. Workers were considered exposed to pesticides if they reported applying or mixing pesticides in their current job. RESULTS: Of the 10 371 respondents, 410 (4%) respondents were assessed as being exposed to pesticides in the workplace, with exposure being more likely among males, individuals born in Australia, individuals with lower education level and those residing in regional or remote areas. Glyphosate was the most common active ingredient used by workers. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the prevalence of occupational pesticide exposure in Australia and one of the few recent studies internationally.