Heat Amplifies Chemical Risks for Migrant Farmworkers

A recent University of Arizona study highlights how extreme heat worsens the effects of chemical exposures on farmworkers’ kidneys. Researchers from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health monitored 77 farmworkers in Sonora, Mexico, tracking blood and urine samples over several months. The workers, averaging 29 years old, were exposed to metals and chemicals from soil and agricultural products, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and uranium.

Lead author Rietta Wagoner explained that high temperatures increase absorption and change how chemicals are processed and excreted in the body. Chronic kidney disease, typically seen in older adults, is appearing in younger outdoor workers globally, with heat likely a contributing factor.

The study underscores the urgent need for heat-mitigation measures on farms, including mandatory breaks with water and electrolytes, accessible restrooms, and acclimatization periods for new hires. Wagoner emphasizes that prevention is essential to protect workers from this debilitating disease.

13-10-2025