TAMPA, Fla. — The Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida has partnered with a local organization to help conduct a study tailored to Farmworkers.

What You Need To Know

  • Southeastern Coastal Center supports research such as this heat and dust exposure impact on farmworkers

  • PHD Students in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida are testing and teaching farmworkers about dangers like dust and heat exposure

  • RCMA is an organization that has partnered with the students to reach the farmworker community. Their goal is to provide health screenings and help with food giveaways

Organizers say the dust and heat exposure study is helping to educate farmworkers on the harm they face every day.

University of Florida PhD student Andres Manrique says the study is helping them evaluate at least 150 farmworkers.

“It’s raising a little bit of attention of the hardships that they go through and raising awareness of the different exposures that they’re receiving," Manrigue said. "A lot of them don’t know the full extent of the exposure that they’re receiving.”

For some farmworkers like Paulina Vaca, the education has opened their eyes to the harm they’ve been facing.

Vaca says working in the fields is a job that can be messy, but it's one that she needs for her family.

“I do this to have a better life, better pay, to be stable and for a home,” she said.

Vaca has worked in all types of agricultural labor, but has most recently been picking fruit at a farm in Plant City for two months on a work visa.

She says the days can get warm, but she’s willing to work in the heat to make money to take back to her children in Michoacan, Mexico.

Vaca says it’s difficult being away from her children for months at a time, but believes the sacrifice is worth it.

“You know you can’t have everything in life," she said. "Either we’re with your children and don’t give them anything, or we’re apart and we live more comfortably.”

She says farm work is a job that can require a lot of physical activity, so when workers don’t feel well, they say it’s normal.

But University of Florida researchers want to make sure farmworkers are educated about their health while working.

The study being undertaken will test and teach farmworkers about heat related illnesses and dust exposure.

Vaca says she’s learned about a few things she can do to take care of herself while working.

“I know how to dress and dress comfortably, wear reflective clothing and most importantly make sure we’re hydrated,” she said.

Farmworkers are also being shown how to download an app to keep track of their temperature and how to set reminders to stay hydrated.

Whether it’s a sunny day or overcast, Vaca says these resources are helpful.

“This helps us to identify if we have a heat stroke or are dehydrated, because it’s important to take breaks to drink water," she said.

As she continues to work to provide for her family, Vaca says she’s going to share what she’s learned with other farmworkers.