Heat and Air Pollution Pose Deadly Risks for California Farmworkers
In the scorching heat of California’s Central Valley, farmworkers like William Salas Jiminez face dangerous conditions while working in the fields. Salas tragically collapsed and died of a heart attack after being exposed to extreme heat while installing irrigation tubing in an almond orchard. His death certificate cited atherosclerotic heart disease, extreme heat exposure, and obesity as contributing factors to his untimely demise.
The lack of federal standards to protect workers from extreme heat is a concerning issue, especially in a warming world where temperatures are on the rise. California is one of the few states with heat exposure standards, but these regulations do not fully address the risks faced by agricultural laborers working in hot, polluted air. The combination of high temperatures, poor air quality, and physical exertion puts farmworkers at a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Research shows that heat stress can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially when combined with exposure to fine particle pollution like PM2.5. The San Joaquin Valley, where many farmworker deaths occur, has some of the worst PM2.5 pollution in the nation, further exacerbating the health risks faced by agricultural workers.
The prevalence of chronic diseases among farmworkers, such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma, also increases their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses. Many farmworkers, who earn low wages and depend on harvesting quotas, continue to work in unsafe conditions due to financial pressures and lack of awareness about heat-related risks.
Enforcement of heat safety regulations by Cal/OSHA, the state agency responsible for workplace safety, is lacking due to understaffing and inadequate penalties for non-compliance. Many employers in the agricultural sector receive reduced fines for violations, and workers, especially those who speak Indigenous languages, may not receive adequate training or protection from heat-related hazards.
The true extent of heat-related illnesses and deaths among farmworkers is likely underreported, as existing data collection methods do not capture the full scope of the problem. Improved enforcement of regulations, better training for workers, and increased awareness of the risks posed by heat and air pollution are essential to protect the health and safety of farmworkers in California and beyond.