Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES: A survey tool to assess cancer and health concerns and risk perceptions of turf and landscape professionals was developed, and mailed to 1,200 New York State (NYS) -certified turf and ornamental pesticide applicators and technicians. A phone survey of 100 non-respondents to the mail survey was completed by the Cornell Survey Research Institute. Total overall response rate for the combined survey data was 42 percent. Survey data has been analyzed, and reported to the project advisory board members. Manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication are in preparation. Based on the survey results, an extension publication was developed (Smith-Lever integration project) for pesticide applicators and educators summarizing study results and providing information on how to access information on the cancer risk of pesticides used on turf and in landscaping (see PRODUCTS section). EVENTS: Results of the mail survey were presented at the 2008 Society of Risk Analysis annual meeting via an oral presentation and at a poster session (see Publications). SERVICES: none. PRODUCTS: The survey results were the basis of developing an extension publication for pesticide applicator survey responders, turf care and landscaping professionals, and educators in related disciplines. The extension publication included a summary of the mail survey results and information on understanding how cancer risk is assessed, how and where to find cancer risk information on turf and landscaping pesticides, and ways to improve communication between pesticide applicators, their co-workers and clients. The extension publication written by Dr. Heather Dantzker (entitled Understanding the Cancer Risk of Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides) was developed in English, and translated into Spanish with funding from a contract with the NYS Dept. of Health. DISSEMINATION: Packets of 100 copies of the full-color, printed extension publication were mailed to: 331 NYS-certified pesticide trainers in turf and ornamentals (total of 33,100 copies); single copies were provided to 316 responders of the mail survey (applicators who indicated they wanted information on study results) and 17 project advisory board members. Hard-copy and electronic versions also were sent to 56 Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Community Educators in horticulture and integrated pest management. Extension educators requested an additional 300 copies for distribution in their counties. An announcement of the availability in electronic formats was sent to 200 members of the American Association of Pesticide Educators. The electronic versions (pdf in English http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Turf/Turf_BriefENG.pdf; html in English http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/turf/BriefEng.cfm; html in Spanish http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/turf/BriefEsp.cfm) were posted on our programs web site. A shorter version of the extension publication entitled Understanding the Risks Posed by Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides was developed by Dr. Heather Dantzker for distribution in several newspapers, including The Observer (Dundee, NY) and The Chronicle-Express (Penn Yan, NY). PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS: 1) Project investigators: Dr. Heather (Clark) Dantzker, Co-PI, Project Lead: led and managed the development of the mail survey instrument and non-response phone survey instrument, analyzed data, compiled results, presented results to project advisory board members, and authored the extension publication and newspaper articles. Dr. Suzanne Snedeker, Co-PI: facilitated advisory board meeting discussions; managed production and dissemination of extension publication and evaluation postcard; complied results from evaluation postcards; oversaw Spanish translation of extension publication; and developed web page for extension publications. 2) Those who contributed at least 160 hours of effort: Laura Rickard, graduate student, Dept. of Communication, Cornell University (CU): provided research assistance survey instrument development and the analysis of data. Francoise Vermeylen and students, CU Statistical Consulting Unit: provided data entry services; tabulated of results of mail survey. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: None. COLLABORATORS AND CONTACTS: Jane Maestro-Scherer, survey research consultant: facilitated development of survey instrument. Leigh Dezelan, West Hill Graphics: Provided graphic design services for survey, reminder postcard, and extension publication. Yasamin Miller, CU Survey Research Institute: administered non-response follow-up phone survey. Kathy Baylor: Administered survey through Cornell Mail Services. Lyn Netter, Admin. Asst.: helped process survey returns and distribution of lay summary. Tricia Newell, NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation: provided list for the survey sample. Ling Xia, Dept. of Communication, CU: assisted with survey instrument design questions. Project advisory board members: Reviewed the draft mail survey instrument; provided comments and input on survey results, and development of extension publication: Jim Baird, Univ. of California, Riverside, Dept. of Botany and Plant Sciences; Pat Blum, Colonial Acres Golf Course, Glenmont, NY; Roger Casterline, Ithaca College Facilities; David Chinery, CU Cooperative Extension, Rensselaer County; Gena Gallinger, NYS Dept. of Health; Ron Gardner, CU Pesticide Management Education Program; Jennifer Grant, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program; Lois Levitan, Dept. of Communication, CU; Rodney Page, Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research; Maxine Plumadore, Ithaca College Facilities, Grounds and Transportation; Frank Rossi, Dept. of Horticulture, CU; Chuck Schmitt, CU Cooperative Extension, Albany County; Elizabeth Seme, NYS Turfgrass Association; Kevin Trotta, Rockland Central School District; Pat Voges, Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association; Dick Weldgen, Weed Man, Macedon, NY; Larry Wilson, NY Alliance for Environmental Concern. Elizabeth Lamb, Coordinator, IPM Ornamentals, CU: facilitated dissemination of lay summary to CU Cooperative Extension educators. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: This project provided Laura Rickard, a graduate student in the Dept. of Communication at Cornell, with research and survey instrument development experience and training. TARGET AUDIENCES: The mail survey, which the assessed cancer and health concerns and risk perceptions, was sent to a target audience of 1,200 certified NYS pesticide applicators in turf. Science-based knowledge was delivered to scientists, risk assessors, federal agency staff (e.g. Environmental Protection Agency staff), and policy makers through the presentation of survey research results in a poster and an oral presentation given at the 2008 Society of Risk Analysis Annual Meeting (see Publications section). A summary of survey research results and information on understanding cancer risk, how federal agencies assess cancer risk, how and where to find cancer risk information on pesticides used on turf, and ways to improve communication between pesticide applicators, their co-workers, and their clients, was provided in an extension publication (BCERF Briefs for Landscaping Professionals; Understanding the Cancer Risk of Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides) in English and Spanish to the following target audiences: 300 mail survey responders (NYS turf and ornamental pesticide applicators); 331 New York State pesticide trainers certified in turf; 73 Cornell Cooperative Extension faculty and educators in horticulture, turf, and integrated pest management; and 200 members of the national organization, the Association of Pesticide Safety Educators (AAPSE). We anticipate that these multipliers will share this information with other educators and turf and landscape professional co-workers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The 331 certified pesticide applicators and 316 survey responders who received a copy of the extension publication (entitled Understanding the Cancer Risk of Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides) were provided with a mail-back evaluation postcard. A total of 62 surveys were returned. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 strongly agree, 1 strongly disagree), evaluation ratings indicated an increased in knowledge or increased awareness for all questions included in the evaluation postcard. As a result of reading the extension publication, responders to the evaluation felt better able to: understand how pesticide risks are regulated and managed (mean score 3.80); find cancer risk information about pesticides (mean score 4.10); reduce health risks posed by some pesticides (mean score 3.90); and were more likely to look beyond the pesticide label for health risk information (mean score 4.10); were more likely to speak with co-workers about reducing risk from pesticides (mean score 3.93); and were more likely to speak with clients or others about reducing risk from pesticides (mean score 3.90). The responders also responded positively to the content and format of the publication, indicating it was written in understandable and clear language (mean score 4.34); presented in a format that is attractive and appropriate (mean score 4.30); and provided the right amount of detail (mean score 3.9). Over 75 percent of evaluations indicated responders have 10 or more years of experience as pesticide professionals.
Publications
- Dantzker, H.C. and Snedeker, S.M. 2008. Understanding perceptions about cancer and other health risks held by pesticide applicators in New York State's Green Industry. Electronic conference proceedings (abstract), Presentation W4-D.2; Session on Assessing Tools for Informing Decisions, Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting, Boston, MA. December, 2008 (http://birenheide.com/sra/2008AM/program/singlesession.php3sessid=W 4-D&order=2#2).
- Rickard L.N. and Dantzker, H.C. 2008. Exploring occupational risk communication and workplace culture among Green Industry pesticide applicators in New York State. Electronic conference proceedings (abstract), Poster P57, Session on Risk Communication, Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting, Boston, MA. December, 2008 (http://birenheide.com/sra/2008AM/program/singlesession.php3sessid=P &order=57#57)
- Dantzker, H.C. 2009. Understanding the Cancer Risk of Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides, BCERF Briefs for Landscaping Professionals, distributed via email and posted on the Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors website as: pdf in English (http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Turf/Turf_BriefENG.pdf); html in English (http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/turf/BriefEng.cfm); html in Spanish (http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/turf/BriefEsp.cfm).
- Dantzker, H.C. 2009. Understanding Risks Posed by Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides, published in: The Observer (newspaper), Dundee, NY, November 18, 2009.
- Dantzker, H.C. 2009. Understanding Risks Posed by Turf and Lawn Care Pesticides, published in: The Chronicle-Express (newspaper), Penn Yan, NY, October 21, 2009.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In year 2 of our Hatch project (Oct 2007-Sep 2008) (integrated project with Smith-Lever funding), we focused on the development, design and dissemination of a statewide mail survey sent to 1,200 NYS-certified turf and ornamental pesticide applicators and technicians, analyzed data, and compiled preliminary results. A phone survey of 100 non-respondents to the original mail survey was completed by the Cornell Survey Research Institute. Total overall response rate for the combined survey data was 42 percent. Survey data were analyzed and reported to the project advisory board in September 2008. Survey results presented at this meeting were discussed and considered as a step in the development of extension education resources on pesticides and cancer risk for NYS turf and ornamental pesticide applicators and other Green Industry professionals. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS: 1) Project investigators: Dr. Heather (Clark) Dantzker, Co-PI, Project Lead: Led and managed the development of the mail survey instrument and non-response phone survey instrument, analyzed data, compiled results, and presented results to project advisory board. Dr. Suzanne Snedeker, Co-PI: Developed project advisory board meeting summary and helped facilitate project advisory board meeting discussion. 2) Those who contributed at least 160 hours of effort during Year 2: Laura Rickard, graduate student, Dept. of Communication, Cornell University: Provided research assistance towards the development of the survey instrument. Francoise Vermeylen and students, Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit: Provided data entry services for the mail survey. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: None. COLLABORATORS AND CONTACTS: Jane Maestro-Scherer, survey research consultant, Ithaca, NY: Provided consultative services towards the development of the mail survey instrument. Leigh Dezelan, West Hill Graphics, Ithaca, NY: Provided graphic design services for the mail survey and reminder postcard. Yasamin Miller, Cornell Survey Research Institute: Administered non-response follow-up phone survey. Kathy Baylor, Cornell Mail Services, Administered mail survey through Cornell Mail Services Lyn Netter, BCERF Program, Cornell University, Assisted with processing survey returns. Tricia Newell, NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Provided list for the survey sample. Ling Xia, Dept. of Communication, Cornell University, Assisted with survey instrument design questions. Project advisory board members: Reviewed the draft mail survey instrument and provided comments and input on survey results and next steps for extension development: Jim Baird, University of California, Riverside, Dept. of Botany and Plant Sciences Pat Blum, Colonial Acres Golf Course, Glenmont, NY Roger Casterline, Ithaca College Facilities, Grounds and Transportation David Chinery, Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County Gena Gallinger, New York State Department of Health Ron Gardner, Cornell Pesticide Management Education Program Jennifer Grant, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program Lois Levitan, Dept. of Communication, Cornell University Rodney Page, Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research Maxine Plumadore, Ithaca College Facilities, Grounds and Transportation Frank Rossi, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell University Chuck Schmitt, Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County Elizabeth Seme, New York State Turfgrass Association Kevin Trotta, Rockland Central School District Pat Voges, Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association Dick Weldgen, Weed Man, Macedon, NY Larry Wilson, New York Alliance for Environmental Concern TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: This project provided Laura Rickard, a graduate student in the Dept. of Communication at Cornell, with research and survey instrument development experience and training. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Outcomes/impacts in Year 2 of this 3-year project are thus far limited to the awareness of the survey among those 1,200 pesticide applicators in the turf and ornamental industry to whom it was sent, and awareness of the survey's preliminary results among the project's advisory board members, who include pesticide safety educators, risk communication specialists, and turf and lawn care industry representatives. These impacts were not formally measured.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
The following activities were conducted between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, which constituted the first fiscal year of this three-year integrated Hatch/Smith-Lever funded project. An initial advisory team of ten stakeholders, practitioners and experts in various relevant fields (such as grounds management, pesticide risk communication, pesticide safety education, cancer risk, the turf and lawn industry, and others) was recruited to assist with the development and review of the survey instrument, a mail questionnaire. This questionnaire will be mailed out to a random sample of 1,200 New York State-certified pesticide applicators and technicians in the turf and ornamental categories in mid-November 2007. In January 2007, we convened a meeting of these project advisors on the Cornell campus in Ithaca to provide a project overview, ask their assistance in the development and review of questionnaire items, and, in subsequent years, the development and design of
extension materials on turf and lawn care pesticides and cancer risk. Six advisors, plus project co-PI's Clark and Snedeker attended the meeting in person, and four advisors joined in by conference call. With the recommendations and input of these initial project advisors, additional project advisors with different areas of experience and expertise (such as golf course management, landscaping, health communication, and lawn care business) were subsequently recruited to serve as project advisors, for a current total of seventeen project advisors. The study population was identified as New York State-certified pesticide applicators in the turf and ornamental use categories and an up-to-date mailing list from which to draw a sample was obtained from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Primary project research questions were further specified and refined to include specific sets of questions intended to gather information about workplace safety culture, pesticide
safety behavior, beliefs about cancer risk, workplace health and safety information needs and preferences, and others. With the assistance of Laura Rickard, a graduate student in the Cornell Department of Communication, survey questions were drafted, refined, and revised. A draft questionnaire was sent out to the 17 project advisory board members for review and comment. The questionnaire was then further revised taking into account these advisors' comments, as well as the comments and suggestions of an expert survey consultant, a statistical consultant and a graphic designer.
Impacts
None to report at this time.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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