New technology hopes to reduce heat-related illnesses by alerting farmworkers before heatstroke symptoms appear.
In response to increasing heat risks for outdoor laborers, researchers are testing wearable biosensors designed to detect early indicators of heatstroke. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the four-year study focuses on monitoring farmworkers’ vital signs to alert them to potential heat dangers.
The project is underway in Pierson, Florida, where 150 farmworkers on a fern farm are equipped with biopatches that track skin hydration, heart rate, and movement. Scientists from Emory University and Georgia Tech analyze the data collected, using an AI system to predict when workers might be at risk of heat illness.
Once fully operational, the system aims to send mobile alerts if a worker shows signs of overheating. While the AI currently assists in data collection, researchers hope to release their findings next year. According to Emory researcher Roxana Chicas, this study could pave the way for essential protections, redefining the notion that heat exposure is an unavoidable part of fieldwork.
Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency highlight the urgency: an average of 34 workers die annually from heat exposure, with farmworkers facing 35 times the risk compared to other professions. Though some states like California mandate employer-provided heat protections, many states still lack standardized measures.
The research team collaborated with the Farmworker Association of Florida, initially planning to recruit 100 participants but quickly expanded to 166 due to high interest. Participants receive their biopatches before dawn and proceed to work in the fields before peak temperatures.
Workers like Juan Perez, a 20-year veteran in the fern fields, express hope that this study will lead to improved working conditions, including more frequent breaks and fairer wages. Another participant, Antonia Hernandez, shared concerns about the risks she and her daughter face working under extreme temperatures, highlighting the study’s potential to advocate for safer working environments.
