Exploring Cancer Risk Perceptions of Turf and Lawn Pesticide Professionals in New York State

A pilot study was conducted to better understand the knowledge, perceptions, and concerns of turf and lawn care pesticide professionals in New York State (NYS) regarding cancer and other health risks. Data were collected from 31 focus group participants and 104 questionnaire respondents in applicator trainings and other meetings around the state. Three distinct themes emerged from focus group discussions: cultural shift in pesticide management practices, costs and benefits of pesticide regulations, and challenges of understanding and communicating about health risks. Factor analysis yielded three subscales: control disease, reduce chemical risk, and concern. Exploratory regression analysis yielded predictive relationships between work experience, cancer risk knowledge, and attitudes in support of reducing chemical risk, which in turn predicted precautionary pesticide behavior, such as reading the label and using personal protective equipment. Results suggest the need to incorporate cancer risk education into continuing education for turf and lawn care professionals.