AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE EVALUATION OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES IN MEXICO

Elizabeth A. Guillette, María Mercedes Meza , Maria Guadalupe Aquilar , Alma
Delia Soto and Idalia Enedina Garcia

ABSTRACT

Many of the known variables influencing child growth and development were compensated for by selecting two groups of four-five year old Yaqui children residing in the Yaqui Valley of northwestern Mexico for comparative study. These children share similar genetic, dietary, water mineral content, cultural patterns and social behaviors. The major difference was their exposure to pesticides. Pesticides have been applied to the agricultural area of the valley since the late 1940s. High levels of multiple pesticides were found in the cord blood of newborns and in breast milk in 1990.

Building on anthropological methods for rapid rural appraisal of problems within the environment, a Rapid Assessment Tool for Preschool Children (RATPC) was developed to measure growth and development. The children of the agrarian region were compared to children living in the foothills, where pesticide use is avoided. The RATPC measured varied aspects of physical growth and abilities to perform, or function in, normal childhood activities. No differences were found in growth patterns.

Functionally, the exposed children demonstrated decreases in stamina, gross and fine eye-hand coordination, 30 minute memory and the ability to draw a person. The RATPC also pointed out areas where more in-depth research on the toxicology of pesticides would be valuable.

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