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Pesticide exposure and the physical and economic health of US crop workers

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  • Anita Alves Pena
  • Bryanna Dixon

Abstract

We examine the impact of pesticide exposure on crop worker health and earnings using 2002 through 2016 data from the US Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration's National Agricultural Workers Survey. Our findings show that pesticide exposure is positively related to certain health conditions and that wage patterns are consistent with compensating wage differentials. The offsetting impacts of these equilibrium aspects are limited by how wage premia for assumed health risks depend on worker bargaining power and agency. We document differences for undocumented versus documented workers with implications for compensation and occupational health policies in this labor‐intensive, essential sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Alves Pena & Bryanna Dixon, 2022. "Pesticide exposure and the physical and economic health of US crop workers," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(4), pages 2087-2114, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:44:y:2022:i:4:p:2087-2114
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13194
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