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Children Exposure-Related Behavior Patterns and Risk Perception Associated with Recreational Beach Use

Author

Listed:
  • Alesia Ferguson

    (Built Environment, North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Courtney Del Donno

    (Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72111, USA)

  • Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi

    (Built Environment, North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Kristina Mena

    (School of Public Health, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA)

  • Tanu Kaur Altomare

    (School of Public Health, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA)

  • Rosalía Guerrero

    (School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Maribeth Gidley

    (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL 33149, USA
    University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, FL 33149, USA)

  • Larissa Montas

    (Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA)

  • Helena M. Solo-Gabriele

    (Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA)

Abstract

Background: Oil spill chemicals (OSCs) result not only from the crude oil components but also from dispersants used in the clean-up activities, where some may result in adverse health effects under certain exposure and dosage conditions. One of the main populations of concern for exposure to OSCs are children, who are frequent beach users. Activities such as ingestion of and digging in sand can increase dermal and ingestion exposure. Longer times spent at the beach can also increase exposures for all routes. Objectives: The Beach Exposure and Child Health Study (BEaCHeS) was initiated to evaluate the risk of exposure to children from oil contaminants. Reported here are results for surveys collected, as a part of the project, to address exposure-related behavior patterns and risk perception for parents or guardians who visit the beach. Methods: Over 400 parental surveys were collected at four beaches, two in Miami and two in Texas, to evaluate children’s exposure related activities. Surveys consisted of three general sections: demographics, exposure, and risk perception. Surveys were analyzed in REDcap and Stata to evaluate demographic and regional differences on activities related to beach behavior and potential exposures to oil contaminants (e.g., how much time spent on beach, cleaning habits following beach activities). The statistical analysis included the mean and standard errors, along with regressions to evaluate associations between parameters. Results: Overall, the data showed high variability in how children play on the beach, influenced more by age and less by gender. Variations were also seen in certain variables by beach region (e.g., hygiene practices). By race, variations were seen in income, distance of travel to beach, and preferred method of communication for beach warning. Other important findings are reflected in the article. Discussion: The data presented here may prove useful for those evaluating children exposures to a variety of contaminants, chemical, or bacterial in origin. In addition, coastal managers may find the risk perception and general behaviors useful for planning and maintenance of beach areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Alesia Ferguson & Courtney Del Donno & Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi & Kristina Mena & Tanu Kaur Altomare & Rosalía Guerrero & Maribeth Gidley & Larissa Montas & Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, 2019. "Children Exposure-Related Behavior Patterns and Risk Perception Associated with Recreational Beach Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:15:p:2783-:d:254566
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jennifer C. Black & Jennifer N. Welday & Brian Buckley & Alesia Ferguson & Patrick L. Gurian & Kristina D. Mena & Ill Yang & Elizabeth McCandlish & Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, 2016. "Risk Assessment for Children Exposed to Beach Sands Impacted by Oil Spill Chemicals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lara E. Tomenchok & Maribeth L. Gidley & Kristina D. Mena & Alesia C. Ferguson & Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, 2020. "Children’s Abrasions in Recreational Beach Areas and a Review of Possible Wound Infections," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-11, June.
    2. Alesia Ferguson & Ashok Dwivedi & Foluke Adelabu & Esther Ehindero & Mehdi Lamssali & Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi & Kristina Mena & Helena Solo-Gabriele, 2021. "Quantified Activity Patterns for Young Children in Beach Environments Relevant for Exposure to Contaminants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-19, March.
    3. Maria Uhl & Ricardo R. Santos & Joana Costa & Osvaldo Santos & Ana Virgolino & David S. Evans & Cora Murray & Maurice Mulcahy & Dorothy Ubong & Ovnair Sepai & Joana Lobo Vicente & Michaela Leitner & S, 2021. "Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    4. Tanu Altomare & Patrick M. Tarwater & Alesia C. Ferguson & Helena M. Solo-Gabriele & Kristina D. Mena, 2020. "Estimating Health Risks to Children Associated with Recreational Play on Oil Spill-Contaminated Beaches," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-10, December.

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