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Trace Metal and Pesticide Exposure in Tree Planting in British Columbia

This study examined tree planter exposure to fertilizers and their heavy metal contaminants to determine if health complaints associated with this exposure are more frequent with this group than with other occupational cohorts

The researchers examined the relationship between exposure to fertilizers and potential health effects, including chronic respiratory symptoms. Research methods included monitoring tree planters’ exposures at five different sites in B.C., environmental sampling, interviews with tree planters, and statistical analysis. The final report recommends implementation of methods to reduce and monitor exposure

Principal Investigators: Ernst Stjernberg (FERIC), and Hugh W. Davies (UBC)
Co-investigator: Christian Van Netten (UBC)
Funding Awarded: $29,925

Competition Year: 2005 File type: PDF (607 KB) Asset type: Research Research: RS2005-OD05