BACKGROUND: Prior research indicates that working adolescents seek care for the toxic effects of on-the-job chemical and environmental hazard exposures. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 866 adolescent workers in the retail and service sector examines their exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and training. RESULTS: Two-thirds of respondents were exposed to continuous, very loud noise, 55% to thermal hazards and 54% to chemical hazards. Few teens reported using any PPE, though those who had been trained reported somewhat higher usage. CONCLUSIONS: Teens working in the retail and service sectors experience a variety of chemical, thermal, biologic and noise exposures. Efforts to eradicate such exposures need to be complemented by increased provision of PPE and appropriate training in their use by employers. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND: Prior research indicates that working adolescents seek care for the toxic effects of on-the-job chemical and environmental hazard exposures. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 866 adolescent workers in the retail and service sector examines their exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and training. RESULTS: Two-thirds of respondents were exposed to continuous, very loud noise, 55% to thermal hazards and 54% to chemical hazards. Few teens reported using any PPE, though those who had been trained reported somewhat higher usage. CONCLUSIONS: Teens working in the retail and service sectors experience a variety of chemical, thermal, biologic and noise exposures. Efforts to eradicate such exposures need to be complemented by increased provision of PPE and appropriate training in their use by employers. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.