Predicting potential underreporting of firearm ownership in a nationally representative sample

PURPOSE

This study utilized demographic and intrapersonal variables to identify individuals who may have falsely denied firearm ownership and determined if individuals can be divided into meaningful subgroups.

METHODS

Participants were United States residents (N = 3500) recruited from January to June 2020. matched to the 2010 census data for age, race, sex, income, and education level. A Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) regression was utilized to determine potential underreporting of firearm ownership, and a latent class analysis was utilized to determine unique subgroups of those who were identified as underreporting firearm ownership in the ZINB.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 1306) were identified as underreporting firearm ownership (excess zeros) based on a model that included demographic and intrapersonal variables. A latent class analysis indicated that among excess zeros, three unique subgroups exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Determining who may be underreporting firearm ownership will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of firearm ownership in the US and more targeted safe storage messages that may reach those who own firearms and are at risk for firearm-related injury and death.

Self-Reported Likelihood of a Future Suicide Attempt: The Role of Plans for Suicide

OBJECTIVE

The present study seeks to add to the existing literature by determining if having a plan for suicide, is associated with an individual's self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future.

METHOD

Data came from a sample of 97 United States Army personnel with past week ideation or lifetime attempt history. Assessments were collected at baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-months.

RESULTS

Self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future was not associated with the presence of a plan for suicide overall or a plan with a specific method (i.e., firearm, cutting/scratching, and medication).

DISCUSSION

Although a plan for suicide is commonly thought to indicate elevated risk our findings suggest that presence or absence of suicide plans is not associated with more self-reported likelihood of a future suicide attempt.

Law enforcement and firearms: understanding firearm ownership and storage habits

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to better understand firearm ownership among law enforcement officers (LEO), with the goal of informing future firearm injury and suicide prevention efforts. We describe the frequency and sociodemographic correlates of firearm ownership and storage practices among, and examine the association between suicidal ideation and current firearm storage practices.

METHODS

The present study used data from a large online study (n=6410) and included data from individuals who were currently or previously being employed as an LEO (n=369; M (SD) age=39.2 y (15.8 y), 75.2% male, 66.7% white). Self-report measures were used to assess for firearm ownership, storage habits and suicidal ideation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency of firearm ownership and logistic regressions were used to examine the extent to which demographic characteristics and suicidal ideation were associated with firearm ownership.

RESULTS

Overall, 70.5% (n=261) of the sample reported firearm ownership. LEO who were older had significantly lower odds of reporting firearm ownership. Those who were married and those who reported lifetime suicidal ideation had significantly greater odds of reporting firearm ownership. Whereas firearm-owning LEO who reporting storing a firearm locked had significantly lower odds of reporting lifetime suicidal ideation, those who reported storing a firearm unloaded had significantly greater odds of reporting lifetime suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

Findings have important public health implications and can be used to increase adherence with secure storage recommendations. Increasing secure storage may help reduce suicide risk among LEO, a sample at heightened risk for suicide.

Determining who military service members deem credible to discuss firearm safety for suicide prevention

OBJECTIVES

To examine rankings of credible sources for discussing secure storage within a representative sample of firearm-owning service members, and examine how combinations of demographic variables impact the ranking of credible sources.

METHODS

The probability-based sample was collected with the help of Ipsos. Participants were US service members who owned a firearm at the time of the survey (n = 719).

RESULTS

The total sample ranked service members, Veterans, and members of law enforcement as the most credible sources and faith leaders, casual acquittances, and celebrities as the least credible sources. Black men ranked the NRA as a highly credible source whereas Black females ranked the NRA as one of the least preferred sources. Regardless of political preference, those who lived in non-metropolitan rural environments ranked members of law enforcement as highly credible sources. Those who lived in non-metropolitan rural and urban settings and identified as liberal ranked the National Shooting Sports Foundation as a highly credible source.

CONCLUSIONS

Law enforcement officers, military members, and Veterans are ranked as highly credible sources by most subgroups of firearm-owning service members. Leveraging these voices in firearm safety conversations is necessary, may increase adherence to secure storage recommendations, and ultimately reduce suicide.

Perceptions of the utility of secure firearm storage methods as a suicide prevention tool among firearm owners who currently store their firearms loaded and unlocked

BACKGROUND

Although secure firearm storage can prevent firearm injury and death, secure storage is relatively rare. This tendency may be driven in part by a perceived lack of utility for secure storage in preventing suicide and other gun violence-related outcomes.

METHOD

We recruited a large (n = 3510) representative sample of residents from five US states and assessed the degree to which those who do and do not store their firearms securely perceive different utility in specific firearm storage practices for suicide prevention. To test for specificity, we examined if those differences hold when considering unintentional shooting and firearm theft prevention.

RESULTS

Those who currently store their firearms unsecured reported lower perceived utility in several firearm storage practices, particularly for suicide and theft prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that a lack of perceived utility in secure firearm storage may partially drive unsecure firearm storage. Efforts to promote secure storage must address this misperception.

Regional differences in firearm ownership, storage and use: results from a representative survey of five US states

BACKGROUND

Firearm access and storage practices influence risk for injury and death; however, prior research has considered only national and regional differences on these variables, overlooking state-level differences.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and describe statewide differences in firearm ownership, storage and use in a representative sample of five US states.

DESIGN

Variables were assessed via an online self-report survey administered between 29 April 2022 and 15 May 2022.

SETTING

Surveys were completed online.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (n=3510) were members of knowledge panel, a probability-based sample recruited to be representative of US adults. All participants were aged 18+ and resided in one of five states: Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey or Texas.

MEASUREMENTS

We used χ2 tests to examine state differences in firearm ownership, childhood firearm experiences and purchasing. A series of analyses of covariance were then used to assess differences in firearm storage, firearms owned and carrying behaviours while adjusting for pertinent demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

We found significant differences in firearm ownership across states. There were significantly more first-time firearm purchasers during the firearm purchasing surge in New Jersey. Both Mississippi and Texas have elevated rates of unsecure storage practices and firearm carrying outside of the home.

LIMITATIONS

Results are cross-sectional and self-report. Findings may not generalise beyond the five states assessed in this survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Public health messaging around firearm safety should account for differences in key firearm behaviours related to ownership, storage and use to ensure effective communication and reduce the risk of gun injury and death across states.

Practical Capability Among Veterinarians: Preliminary Evidence of the Importance of Access to Lethal Medications in the Workplace

OBJECTIVE

Veterinarians die by suicide at elevated rates. Higher levels of capability for suicide among veterinarians, including access to lethal medications, may account for this discrepancy. This study aimed to determine the importance of accessibility of lethal medications in veterinary workplaces in the relationship between recent suicidal ideation and perceived likelihood of making a future suicide attempt.

METHOD

Participants identifying with one or more groups at high-risk for suicide (e.g., veterinarians, firearm owners) were recruited via social media to complete online self-report questionnaires examining demographic, work-related, and suicide-related risk factors. The sample of veterinarians (n = 310) was primarily female, White, and worked in small animal practices.

RESULTS

Method of lethal medication storage in the workplace moderated the relationship between past week ideation and perceived likelihood of a future suicide attempt such that the relationship became stronger among those storing medications unlocked during business hours and weaker among those storing medications locked during business hours.

CONCLUSION

Secure storage of lethal medications in the workplace may protect against suicide risk. Barriers to lethal medications, when not actively in use, may reduce both physical and cognitive accessibility. Future research should determine the impact of workplace lethal medication storage on suicidal behavior among veterinarians.HIGHLIGHTSLethal med storage moderates link between suicidal thoughts and belief suicide is likelyStoring unlocked may increase physical and cognitive accessibility of this methodWorking with vets to develop and implement means safety strategies will be important.

Examining characteristics and experiences of Black firearm owners

OBJECTIVE

The present study sought to better understand the characteristics of those who own firearms in the Black community; and to understand how Black firearm owners differ from nonfirearm owning Black individuals on a variety of variables related to safety, threat concerns, and suicide risk.

METHODS

Two samples were utilized in this study. The first was a subsample of those who identified as Black from a nationally representative sample (N = 502) seeking to understand firearm ownership within the United States. The second used a subsample of those who identified as Black (N = 1086) from a representative sample from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Variables related to safety and threat concerns were included in the second sample.

RESULTS

In both samples, multiple demographic variables, such as being a woman and having higher education, predicted firearm ownership. In the second sample, experiences of everyday discrimination and crime experiences were associated with firearm ownership. Additionally, Black firearm owners reported significantly more suicidal ideation than Black nonfirearm owners.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate the unique characteristics and experiences of Black firearm owners and show that firearm ownership is associated with increased suicide risk factors for Black adults. Findings should be used to advocate for the creation of more culturally relevant suicide prevention and firearm means safety strategies.

Threat sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and firearm purchasing during a firearm purchasing surge

The firearm purchasing surge that began in 2020 has seen an unprecedented number of firearms purchased within the United States. The present study examined if those who purchased during the surge differed in their levels of threat sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty from firearm owners who did not purchase during the surge and from non-firearm owners. A sample of 6,404 participants from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Mississippi were recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Results indicated that surge purchasers have higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and threat sensitivity relative to firearm owners who did not purchase during the surge and non-firearm owners. Additionally, first time purchasers reported greater threat sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty relative to established firearm owners who purchased additional firearms during the purchasing surge. Findings from the present study increase our understanding of how sensitivity to threats and the ability to tolerate uncertainty differs among firearm owners purchasing at this time. The results help us determine what programs will increase safety among firearm owners (e.g., buy back options, safe storage maps, firearm safety trainings).

Determining who healthcare providers screen for firearm access in the United States

Healthcare providers are well positioned to screen for firearm access to reduce risk of suicides, yet there is a limited understanding of how often and for whom firearm access screening occurs. The present study examined the extent to which providers screen for firearm access and sought to identify who has been screened in the past. The representative sample included 3510 residents from five US states who reported whether they have been asked about their access to firearms by a healthcare provider. The findings demonstrate that most participants have never been asked by a provider about firearm access. People who have been asked were more likely to be White, male, and firearm owners. Those with children under 17 years old in the home, that have been in mental health treatment, and report a history of suicidal ideation were more likely to be screened for firearm access. Although there are interventions for mitigating firearm related risks in healthcare settings, many providers may be missing the opportunity to implement these because they do not ask about firearm access.

Interactions at the point of firearm purchase and subsequent use of locking devices

BACKGROUND

Firearms account for over 40,000 deaths in the USA each year in addition to thousands of nonfatal injuries. One notable prevention strategy for firearm-related fatalities and nonfatal injuries is safe storage. Safe storage of firearms emphasizes using storage mechanisms that limit ready access of firearms to unauthorized users. Cable locks are one safe storage option that is easy to access and typically free, as they are included in many firearms sales. The present study examined the extent to which firearms retailers notifying purchasers at the point of sale about the included cable locks was associated with subsequent locking device use in two large samples and three subsamples. Exploratory analyses then examined demographic factors associated with frequency of seller notification of locks.

METHODS

Sample 1 included 1203 firearm owners and sample 2 included 1556 firearm owners. Subsamples were drawn from sample 2 to examine if there were differences by state. The three subsamples included firearm owners from Minnesota (n = 515), Mississippi (535), and New Jersey (506). Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between frequency of sellers notifying buyers of locks and subsequent locking device use. Linear regressions were used to examine what demographic factors were associated with greater frequency of seller notification of locking devices.

RESULTS

Results indicated a general trend such that more frequent notification of cable locks at the point of purchase was associated with greater likelihood of using locking devices to secure firearms. At the subsample level, these findings were most consistent for Mississippi relative to Minnesota and New Jersey. Exploratory analyses generally indicated those who were younger and those living in more densely populated areas were more likely to be notified about cable locks at the point of purchase.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that interactions about cable locks at the point of firearm purchase has an impact on firearm storage behaviors. Such results indicate that encouraging firearm retailers to have these discussions with those purchasing firearms might be an important strategy for preventing firearm-related fatalities and nonfatal injuries.

Differences in firearm storage practices among United States military servicemembers who have and have not disclosed suicidal thoughts or attended behavioral health sessions

INTRODUCTION

Two-thirds of military suicides are by firearm, and unsafe storage increases the risk of suicide. Understanding who is at risk for suicide, their interactions with behavioral healthcare, and their firearm storage habits have implications for suicide prevention.

METHOD

Probability-based sampling was used. Inclusion criteria were current military service and firearm ownership. Analyses focused on those who endorsed past year (n = 180) or past month suicidal ideation (n = 85).

RESULTS

Servicemembers with undisclosed past year ideation stored firearms at home more often and with a locking device less often. Servicemembers with past year ideation who did not attend recent behavioral health sessions stored firearms with a locking device and loaded less often. Servicemembers with undisclosed suicidal ideation in the past month stored firearms with a locking device less often. Servicemembers with past month ideation who have not attended recent behavioral health sessions stored firearms with a locking device and loaded less often.

CONCLUSIONS

Servicemembers experiencing undisclosed suicidal ideation and who are not receiving treatment generally have more ready access to firearms. Safe firearm storage messaging needs to be disseminated in a manner that shifts social norms around firearm storage, whether or not suicide risk is known.

Injury characteristics and circumstances of firearm trauma: Assessing suicide survivors and decedents

INTRODUCTION

Despite representing fewer than 5% of suicide attempts, firearms account for over half of deaths. Yet there is little clinical information regarding firearm attempts, particularly survivors. We assessed clinical factors differentiating firearm suicide survivors from decedents, firearm attempters from other methods, and firearm attempters from similarly injured trauma patients.

METHODS

We used clinical data from the National Trauma Data Bank (2017) to assess firearm suicide attempts using cross-sectional and case-control designs. We used logistic and multinomial regression to compare groups and assess firearm type and discharge destination.

RESULTS

Older age, being uninsured, and injury location were associated with increased mortality among firearm attempters. Older age, White race, male sex, and being uninsured were associated with firearm attempts. Major psychiatric disorders were associated with firearm attempts and using a rifle or shotgun. Major psychiatric disorders, female sex, and smoking were associated with psychiatric discharge. Black and other race were associated with law enforcement discharge, and Black race was associated with lower odds of psychiatric discharge. Uninsured patients had lower odds of discharge to long-term care, psychiatric, or rehabilitation facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies factors associated with firearm suicide and includes indicators of disparities in health services for patients at high risk of suicide death.

Demographic differences in the type of firearm and location of bodily injury in firearm suicide decedents

This study describes the type of firearm used and location of bodily injury among demographic subgroups of suicide decedents. Data on those who died by suicide via firearm from the National Violent Death Reporting System (N = 117,126) between the years 2003-2018 was utilized. A series of five logistic regression analyses examining the age of decedent, type of firearm, location of wound site, loaded vs. unloaded firearms, and locked vs. unlocked storage, using predictors including gender, race, who owns the firearm and age were performed. Findings have important public health implications. Increasing safe storage or removing the specific types of firearms one is likely to use in their death from the home during a time of crisis may decrease risk of suicide.

Preferences for a potential therapist's suicide lived experience and use of therapy

The present study is an examination of laypersons' preferences regarding therapists with lived mental health experiences. Specifically, we investigated participants' preferences for a treatment with a therapist who has sought personal therapy, experienced suicidal ideation, or made a suicide attempt. Additionally, we explored how participants' personal experiences may impact these preferences. Three hundred ninety-eight community members were recruited to complete an online survey through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Participants completed delayed discounting paradigms which involve choices between a therapist with the experience (e.g., suicidal ideation) and a therapist without the experience providing treatment with varied levels of therapeutic efficacy (i.e., average percentage of client recovery). Overall, participants were willing to lose therapeutic efficacy in order to work with a therapist who has not been in prior mental health treatment (9.36% efficacy loss), experienced suicidal ideation (19.43% efficacy loss), and engaged in suicide attempts (20.18% efficacy loss). Across these therapist options, the strongest preference was for therapists with prior treatment compared to the other two conditions. Preferences differed somewhat depending on the participant's social stigma, history of suicide attempts, and prior suicidal ideation; however, these effects were small in size. Overall, participants preferred less effective therapists without a history of personal therapy, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, compared to more effective therapists with a history of these experiences. Findings from this study highlight the pervasiveness of negative attitudes toward suicidal thoughts and behaviors and lived experience. If replicable, these results emphasize a need for destigmatization of these experiences in mental health care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Firearm Type and Number: Examining Differences among Firearm Owning Suicide Decedents

OBJECTIVE

The present study sought to determine if among a sample of firearm owning suicide decedents, the type and number of firearms owned was associated with dying by suicide using a firearm compared to another method.

METHOD

Data were collected as part of a larger online study that gathered information on suicide decedents and the context surrounding their death from family members and friends. The present study used data from those who owned at least one firearm (n = 121). Participants in the present study were mostly male and white.

RESULTS

Among firearm owners, handgun ownership was significantly associated with dying by suicide using a firearm compared to using another method. The number of firearms owned was inversely associated with using a firearm compared to another method in a suicide death. The average number of firearms owned was higher among those who owned shotguns compared to handguns.

CONCLUSIONS

Handgun ownership, not shotgun ownership, was associated with having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The finding regarding number of firearms should be interpreted with caution. Overall, findings provide insight into what differentiates firearm owners who die by suicide using a firearm compared to another method.

Determining subgroups that exist among US firearm owners

OBJECTIVE

To identify and verify classes of firearm owners that exist within the United States and determine the sources that classes deemed credible to discuss firearm safety for suicide prevention.

METHODS

The study is composed of two parts. Part 1 (N = 1018) utilizes a nationally representative sample of firearm owners. Part 2 (N = 1064) consists of firearm owners from Mississippi, Minnesota, and New Jersey.

RESULTS

Four unique classes were identified in Sample 1: multiple firearms class, single handgun class, few firearms class, and long-gun class. A three-class solution was found for sample 2. Two of the classes from sample 1 replicated: multiple firearms class and single handgun class. Although many of the classes differed in the ranking of credible sources, a combination of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, law enforcement officers, and family members was ranked as credible sources among all classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide evidence of the heterogenous nature of firearm owners and can be utilized to better understand the subgroups of firearm owners. Additionally, the findings from the credible sources analyses can be leveraged to create more effective safe firearm storage messaging which may increase adherence with safe storage suggestions and ultimately reduce suicide rates.

Mental Health Treatment Seeking and History of Suicidal Thoughts Among Suicide Decedents by Mechanism, 2003-2018

IMPORTANCE

Understanding mental health and substance use treatment seeking and suicidality among suicide decedents is important to determine prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate differences in treatment seeking and suicidality between suicide decedents who died by firearms and those who died by other methods.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional data were collected on 234 652 suicide decedents from 2003 to 2018. Participant information was reported by their state of residence to the National Violent Death Reporting System. Statistical analysis was performed from July 1, 2021, to January 21, 2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Main outcomes were treatment for mental health and substance use at time of death, previous treatment for mental health and substance use, history of suicidal ideation or plans, history of suicide attempts, and disclosure of suicidal ideation or plans.

RESULTS

A total of 234 652 participants (182 520 male [77.8%]; 205 966 White [87.8%]; mean [SD] age, 46.3 [18.2] years [range, 3-112 years]) were included in this study. Compared with suicide decedents who died by another method (n = 117 526 [50.1%]), those who died by firearm (n = 117 126 [49.9%]) were more likely to have disclosed thoughts or plans of suicide within the month prior to death (odds ratio [OR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18]) and were less likely to have previously attempted suicide (OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.43-0.46]). Compared with those who died by poisoning, those who used a firearm were more likely to have had a history of suicidal thoughts or plans (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.15-1.23]) and to have disclosed their thoughts or plans of suicide within the month prior to death (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10]). Compared with those who died by hanging, those who used a firearm were more likely to have disclosed their thoughts or plans of suicide to another person within the month prior to their death (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.11-1.17]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings provide information that suggests who is at risk to die by firearm suicide. Community-based interventions in suicide prevention could help reduce access to firearms during a time of crisis. The finding that firearm suicide decedents were more likely to disclose their suicidal thoughts or plans provides an important avenue for prevention.

Public Perception of Gun Violence-related Headline Accuracy and the Credibility of Media Sources

The present study sought to determine the extent to which the message or messenger is more important for news media portrayal of gun violence prevention. Exploratory analyses also examined factors related to Fox News and MSNBC credibility. Participants (N = 3,500) were US adults matched to the 2010 US Census on several demographic variables. Two mock headlines were presented: "Gun violence is result of mental health problems" and "Storing firearms in a safe can help prevent suicides." Headlines were reported to be from either Fox News or MSNBC. Participants then rated accuracy of the headline and credibility of the news source. Headline content did not predict perceived accuracy of the headline. Perceived credibility of the messenger was associated with perceived accuracy for both mock headlines. Exploratory analyses indicated several demographic factors related to Fox News and MSNBC credibility. Regardless of the content of a headline, the degree to which participants perceived it as accurate was associated with how credible they believed the source to be. These findings highlight the importance of credible media portrayal of accurate information on gun violence prevention.

Essential workers: Past month suicidal ideation and COVID-19 stress

OBJECTIVE

This study examined if essential workers (EW) reported higher past month suicidal ideation (SI) and coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) stress than non-EW, explored if the association between EW status and SI is indirect through COVID stress, and tested whether EW who identified as black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experienced more past month SI and COVID stress than white EW.

METHODS

Participants (N = 3500) were predominately white and female. COVID-19 was assessed with the COVID-19 subscale.

RESULTS

EWs reported higher past month ideation and COVID-19 stress than non-EWs. EWs who identified as BIPOC reported higher past month ideation and higher fears about economic consequences and compulsive checking and reassurance seeking subscales compared to White EWs.

CONCLUSION

EWs experience higher rates of SI and stress than non-EW; and BIPOC EWs experience higher SI and stress than White EWs. Accessibility of support should be a priority for this group at high risk for both the physical and emotional burden of COVID-19.

Differentiating suicide decedents who died by firearm verse hanging

This present study sought to examine how demographics and the availability of means for suicide converge to impact method selection between firearms and hanging, which are the two most lethal and commonly used methods for suicide in the United States. Data were collected as part of a larger online study that gathered information about suicide decedents and the circumstances around their death from family members and friends; the most common sources being parents, friends, and other family members. This study used data from those who died by suicide by firearm or hanging (n = 149); and was restricted to those who identified as male and white. The study examined if age, education, marital status, military affiliation, and firearm ownership impacted method selection. Results indicated that age and owning a firearm were associated with using a firearm in a suicide death. Additionally, those who used a firearm were significantly younger and more likely to own a firearm than those who used another method; and those who died by hanging were significantly younger than those who used another method. Findings from this study can be leveraged to improve the effectiveness of means safety efforts and create more personalised public health messages on firearm safe storage.

Understanding Capability and Suicidal Ideation among First Responders

OBJECTIVE

The present study seeks to determine differences in lifetime suicidal ideation, dispositional capability, acquired capability, and practical capability among those who have and have not served as first responders, and among subgroups of first responders.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of a large online (n = 3,500) study seeking to understand firearm ownership in the United States. Participants were recruited via Qualtrics Panels and were demographically matched to the 2010 US census. Binary logistic regressions and an exploratory multinomial logistic regression examined differences between first responders and non-first responders and among subgroups of first responders.

RESULTS

First responders reported more lifetime suicidal ideation and higher acquired, practical, and dispositional capability than did non-first responders. Findings indicated that first responders with and without military affiliation did not differ in terms of suicidal ideation or capability for suicide. Lastly, law enforcement officers (LEOs) reported more lifetime suicidal ideation than emergency medical technicians (EMTs). LEOs, EMTs, and firefighters did not differ in terms of capability for suicide.

DISCUSSION

The findings highlight that suicidal ideation and capability for suicide differ between first responders and non-first responders and among subgroups of first responders. The mechanisms driving the increased rates of suicidal ideation and capability among first responders are unknown; however, it is likely due to a combination of personal and occupational factors. Although not without its limitations, the present study provides an understanding of suicide risk among first responders.

A latent class analysis of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse history among suicidal inpatients

OBJECTIVE

Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are subtypes of childhood abuse that may persist into adulthood. This study applied latent class analysis to describe the pattern of co-occurrence of these three abuse subtypes during childhood and adulthood and examined latent class differences in psychosocial characteristics and three types of suicide attempt history (aborted, interrupted, and actual).

METHODS

Data were drawn from a high-risk sample of 115 military service members and adult beneficiaries who were psychiatrically hospitalized following a suicide-related crisis.

RESULTS

Three latent classes were identified: Multiple and Persistent Abuse (Class One: 29.6%), Childhood Physical and Persistent Emotional Abuse (Class Two: 27.0%), and Minimal Abuse (Class Three: 43.5%). Females were more likely than males to report a history of Multiple and Persistent Abuse. After controlling for gender, the Multiple and Persistent Abuse Class had higher scores of depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking, poorer sleep quality, and increased social stress than the Minimal Abuse Class. Moreover, the Multiple and Persistent Abuse Class was associated with increased likelihood of lifetime interrupted suicide attempt (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.81, 95% CI = 1.20, 12.07) and actual suicide attempt (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.23, 10.85), and had the greatest number of total actual suicide attempt (1.82 times on average).

CONCLUSION

Co-occurrence of multiple subtypes of abuse across development is associated with higher psychosocial risk and history of suicide attempt. The assessment of specific subtypes of abuse and their timing may inform case conceptualization and the management of suicide risk among psychiatric inpatients.

The Association of Suicidal Ideation With Firearm Purchasing During a Firearm Purchasing Surge

IMPORTANCE

Firearm access is associated with risk for suicide, and, since early 2020, the US has experienced an unprecedented surge in firearm sales.

OBJECTIVE

To assess frequency of suicidal ideation among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period (surge purchasers), other firearm owners, and non-firearm owners.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional online survey data were collected from January to June 2021. Participants were recruited via quota sampling through Qualtrics Panels. Within Minnesota, zip codes from Minneapolis and St Paul were oversampled. Participants included 6404 US adults recruited from 3 states: New Jersey (n = 3197), Minnesota (n = 1789), and Mississippi (n = 1418). Participants identified as becoming a first-time firearm owner during the surge period, being an established firearm owner who purchased a firearm during the surge period, being a firearm owner who did not buy firearms during the surge period, and not owning firearms.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomes were lifetime, past year, and past month suicidal ideation as measured by the Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Revised.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age within the full sample was 44.81 (18.45) years, with 3132 males (48.8%), 4706 White adults (73.4%), 2674 reporting annual household income less than $50 000 (41.7%), and 1546 (24.1%) reporting current firearm ownership. In the full sample, individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period were more likely than were non-firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.82-2.68), past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.72-2.55), and past-month suicidal ideation (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.41-2.29). In addition, among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period, first-time owners were more likely than established firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.43-3.14) and past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.59-3.53). Results were largely consistent across states.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this survey study, results highlighted that individuals who acquired firearms during the purchasing surge were more likely than other firearm owners and non-firearm owners to have experienced suicidal thoughts. This is particularly true for individuals who purchased a firearm for the first time during the surge period. This illustrates the need to implement policies and interventions that increase safety among firearm purchasers (eg, safe firearm storage) as well as those that promote the acquisition of alternative forms of protection (eg, home alarm systems).

Painful and provocative events: Determining which events are associated with increased odds of attempting suicide

OBJECTIVE

The present study sought to determine which painful and provocative events differentiated those with suicidal ideation from those who attempted suicide. Additionally, it presents a novel way of utilizing the Painful and Provocative Scale (PPES) by looking at items dichotomously as experienced or not experienced, instead of the frequency at which they are experienced.

METHOD

Participants (N = 666) were recruited as part of a large online study seeking to understand suicide risk across multiple high-risk groups (i.e., veterinarians, military service members, transgender individuals, and gun owners) for suicide. Participants in the present study were predominately white, female, and heterosexual.

RESULTS

First, the PPES was examined as a dichotomous measure and results indicate that experiencing physical or sexual abuse, tying a noose, using intravenous drugs, or having injuries that required medical attention were associated with greater odds of attempting suicide; shooting a gun was associated with decreased odds. Next, the PPES was examined as a scale measure and findings indicate that increased exposure to rock climbing, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, or using intravenous drug were associated with increased odds of attempting suicide; while increased exposure to shooting a gun was associated with decreased odds.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study adds to the literature on the ideation-to-action framework and provides evidence considering the frequency of experiences using the Painful and Provocative Event Scale may not provide substantial information beyond dichotomous scoring.

Suicidal Ideation Among Individuals Who Have Purchased Firearms During COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Given the increase in firearm purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study seeks to determine the extent to which COVID-19 firearm purchasers differ in terms of suicide risk from nonfirearm owners and firearm owners who did not make a purchase during COVID-19.

METHODS

Participants (N=3,500) were recruited through Qualtrics Panels to participate in an online survey examining methods for self-protection. ANCOVAs were utilized to assess suicidal ideation. Multivariate ANCOVAs were used to examine firearm storage practices and storage changes during COVID-19. Data were collected in late June and early July 2020, and analyses were conducted in July 2020.

RESULTS

Individuals who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 more frequently reported lifetime, past-year, and past-month suicidal ideation than nonfirearm owners and firearm owners who did not make a purchase during COVID-19. COVID-19 purchasers with lifetime ideation were less likely to hide loaded firearms in a closet than those without lifetime ideation. COVID-19 purchasers with past-year or past-month ideation were more likely to use locking devices than COVID-19 purchasers without past-month ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to firearm owners more generally, COVID-19 firearm purchasers appear far more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation and appear less likely to use certain unsafe firearm storage methods but also report a greater number of storage changes during COVID-19 that made firearms less secure. Future research should seek to further understand those who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 and determine ways to increase secure storage among firearm owners.

Evaluating Suicide Risk Using the Reasons for Dying-Reasons for Living (RFD-RFL) Index in a Military Psychiatric Inpatient Setting

The present study aimed to explore reasons for dying (RFD) and reasons for living (RFL) among suicidal inpatients, conceptualize the RFD-RFL index, and examine whether suicide risk indicators were associated with the RFD-RFL index scores. Participants were military personnel (N = 167) psychiatrically hospitalized following a suicide-related crisis who provided baseline data as part of a randomized controlled trial. Family was the most commonly reported RFL (39.7%) and was the top ranked RFL for 65.9% of participants. The most frequently endorsed RFD categories included general descriptors of self (26.9%), general statements about escape (19.7%), and others/relationships (19.1%). Greater RFD-RFL index scores were associated with a greater wish to die relative to wish to live, greater hopelessness, and with a history of lifetime multiple suicide attempts. Endorsing more RFD relative to RFL may indicate heightened suicide risk. Results of this study identify the characteristics of RFD and RFL among a high-risk, military sample, and provide preliminary support for the clinical utility of evaluating the quantities of RFD and RFL. Clinicians are encouraged to explore RFD and RFL when working with suicidal patients. Future research may explore military-specific RFD and evaluate the validity of the proposed RFD-RFL index.

Suicide risk and firearm ownership and storage behavior in a large military sample

Firearms account for the majority of suicide deaths in the United States military and access to firearms is a risk factor for suicide. Prior research has shown service members tend to store firearms unsafely, with some research indicating this is particularly true among those with elevated suicide risk. Existing research has focused on individuals at known risk for suicide; however, those who die by suicide using a firearm are prone to avoiding mental healthcare and underreporting suicidal ideation, thereby necessitating an understanding of this phenomenon among firearm owners outside of the mental healthcare system. The present study examined firearm storage and suicide risk in a large nonclinical sample of service members (total sample n = 953; firearm owning sample = 473). Lifetime suicidal ideation, current depressive symptoms, and perceived likelihood of making a future suicide attempt were associated with unsafe firearm storage. In contrast, lifetime suicidal ideation was not associated with a greater likelihood to own firearms. These findings suggest those at risk of suicide are more likely to store firearms unsafely, which increases ease of access to firearms. These findings reiterate the importance of means safety as a suicide prevention strategy.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Military Service Members Hospitalized Following a Suicide Attempt versus Suicide Ideation

Psychiatric hospitalization for a suicide attempt (SA), rather than suicide ideation (SI) alone, is a stronger risk indicator for eventual suicide death. Yet, little is known about demographic and clinical characteristics differentiating those admitted for SA versus SI. Understanding these differences has implications for assessment and treatment. A retrospective review of electronic medical records (EMRs) was performed on service members (n = 955) admitted for SA or SI at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center between 2001-2006. Service members hospitalized for SA were younger compared to those hospitalized for SI. The proportion of women admitted for SA was significantly higher than those admitted for SI whereas their male counterparts showed the opposite pattern. Patients admitted for SA, versus SI, had significantly higher prevalence of adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotion and conduct (MDEC), personality disorder not otherwise specified (PDNOS), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Patients admitted for SI had significantly higher prevalence of adjustment disorder with depressed mood and deferred Axis II diagnosis, compared to those admitted for SA. There were no significant between-group differences in the average or median number of documented prior suicide attempts. Findings highlight the need for more standardized assessment, diagnostic decision-making, and documentation practices for all patients.

Post-translation modification of proteins; methodologies and applications in plant sciences

Proteins have the potential to undergo a variety of post-translational modifications and the different methods available to study these cellular processes has advanced rapidly with the continuing development of proteomic technologies. In this review we aim to detail five major post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, glycosylaion, lipid modification, ubiquitination and redox-related modifications), elaborate on the techniques that have been developed for their analysis and briefly discuss the study of these modifications in selected areas of plant science.

Online immobilized metal affinity chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis of changes elicited by cCMP in the murine brain phosphoproteome

An automated online immobilized metal affinity chromatography/high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometric (IMAC-HPLC/MS/MS) method was developed to study cytidine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cCMP)-specific protein phosphorylation, analogous to a previously successful offline IMAC method using microvolume IMAC pipette tips. The optimized method identified murine brain phosphoproteins selectively modified by challenge with cCMP, using manual interpretation of the results to confirm both phosphorylation and selectivity of response to cCMP. A number of proteins identified by this strategy have potential roles in hyperproliferation, a previously reported response to elevated levels of cCMP.

Assessing dopamine concentrations: an evidence-based approach

BACKGROUND: Both overmedication and undermedication can be potentially life threatening. If the actual volume of a 100-mL intravenous bag used to mix dopamine solutions is greater than the labeled volume, overdilution of medication can occur, resulting in an ineffective hemodynamic response in patients and thus an unintended adverse drug event. OBJECTIVES: To determine the actual fluid volumes of 100-mL intravenous bags, compare the actual volumes of 100-mL bags from the 3 major manufacturers of intravenous bags, and determine if the excess volume is sufficient to cause a clinically significant overdilution of dopamine. METHODS: A comparative descriptive design was used. The volumes of 162 intravenous bags of 100 mL of 5% dextrose in water (32 lot numbers with various expiration dates) were measured. Visual volume was confirmed by using a 250-mL graduated cylinder. Volume by weight was determined with a calibrated laboratory-quality electronic scale. On the basis of a mathematical model, any overfill greater than 110 mL was considered clinically significant. RESULTS: The difference between actual and labeled volumes was statistically and clinically significant. Mean visual volume was 110.20 mL (range, 107-114 mL). Mean weighed volume was 109.26 mL (range, 106.15-112.09 mL). The fluid volumes among bags from the 3 major IV companies differed significantly (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The overfill in sufficient numbers of 100-mL intravenous bags was enough to cause clinically significant overdilution of dopamine. When dopamine or other vasoactive medications are mixed, either an in-line buret or premixed bags of the drugs should be used to prevent an unintended adverse drug event.

Assessing dopamine concentrations: an evidence-based approach

BACKGROUND

Both overmedication and undermedication can be potentially life threatening. If the actual volume of a 100-mL intravenous bag used to mix dopamine solutions is greater than the labeled volume, overdilution of medication can occur, resulting in an ineffective hemodynamic response in patients and thus an unintended adverse drug event.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the actual fluid volumes of 100-mL intravenous bags, compare the actual volumes of 100-mL bags from the 3 major manufacturers of intravenous bags, and determine if the excess volume is sufficient to cause a clinically significant overdilution of dopamine.

METHODS

A comparative descriptive design was used. The volumes of 162 intravenous bags of 100 mL of 5% dextrose in water (32 lot numbers with various expiration dates) were measured. Visual volume was confirmed by using a 250-mL graduated cylinder. Volume by weight was determined with a calibrated laboratory-quality electronic scale. On the basis of a mathematical model, any overfill greater than 110 mL was considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

The difference between actual and labeled volumes was statistically and clinically significant. Mean visual volume was 110.20 mL (range, 107-114 mL). Mean weighed volume was 109.26 mL (range, 106.15-112.09 mL). The fluid volumes among bags from the 3 major IV companies differed significantly (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The overfill in sufficient numbers of 100-mL intravenous bags was enough to cause clinically significant overdilution of dopamine. When dopamine or other vasoactive medications are mixed, either an in-line buret or premixed bags of the drugs should be used to prevent an unintended adverse drug event.

Serum levels of several organochlorine pesticides in farmers correspond with dietary exposure and local use history

In response to reported increased cancer risks among farmers, the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) was designed to examine health outcomes and environmental exposures among farm families in the United States. In the pilot phase of the AHS, food, beverage, air, dermal, dust, surface wipe, and biological specimens (blood and urine) were collected and analyzed for six farm families in two states (IA and NC). In addition, questionnaires were administered to examine previous pesticide use. This paper reports the organochlorine pesticide results of the serum and dietary analyses as well as questionnaire results from the pilot exposure study of farmers and their families. Note, no organochlorine pesticides were reported as currently being applied to the study farms. In all human serum samples examined, typical U.S. population levels were found for the majority of the pesticides. In addition, human serum levels of organochlorine pesticides showed no significant daily or seasonal variation. However, serum trans-nonachlor levels were found to be higher in people living on the two farms in North Carolina than in people living on the four farms in Iowa (p < 0.05). Further, unusually high dieldrin levels were found in serum samples from a farmer and spouse living on an Iowa farm, and these levels were significantly higher than those of people living on the other farms (p < 0.05). Dieldrin was persistent in the foods consumed on the same Iowa farm where family members showed elevated serum levels. In addition, dietary samples from the North Carolina farms exhibited high levels of chlordane. No organochlorine pesticides were found in any of the drinking water samples. Dietary dieldrin levels on the same Iowa farm exceeded the oral reference dose (RfD) eight- to eleven-fold (50 ng/kg-day). No other pesticide exceeded the RfD. However, dietary chlordane levels at a North Carolina farm reached 17% of the RfD. Previous use of aldrin on an Iowa farm corresponded to dieldrin found in the diet and in the serum of the farmer and spouse. Previous reported use of chlordane on the North Carolina farms corresponded with measurable dietary levels of chlordance and higher serum trans-nonachlor levels than the levels in Iowa farm families.

Correlation of environmental carbaryl measurements with serum and urinary 1-naphthol measurements in a farmer applicator and his family

In exposure or risk assessments, both environmental and biological measurements are often used. Environmental measurements are an excellent means for evaluating regulatory compliance, but the models used to estimate body burden from these measurements are complex. Unless all possible routes of exposure (i.e., inhalation, dermal absorption, ingestion) are evaluated, exposure to a toxicant can be underestimated. To circumvent this problem, measurements of the internal dose of a toxicant in blood, serum, urine, or tissues can be used singularly or in combination with environmental data for exposure assessment. In three separate laboratories, carbaryl or its primary metabolite, 1-naphthol, was measured in personal air, dermal samples, blood serum, and urine from farmer applicators and their families. The usefulness of both environmental and biological data has been demonstrated. For the farmer applicator, the environmental levels of carbaryl would have been sufficient to determine that an exposure had occurred. However, biological measurements were necessary to determine the absorbed dose of each member of the applicator's family. In addition, a correlation between serum and urinary 1-naphthol measurements has been shown; therefore, either matrix can be used to accurately evaluate occupational carbaryl exposure.

Quality of life for critical care patients: a concept analysis

Confusion, misunderstanding, and ethical concerns may interfere with patients' choices for appropriate treatment and subsequent quality of life. Such concerns did not originate from recent technological advances but from the ancient Greeks and Romans who honored health more than life, and the early Christians who honored life more than health. These opposing concepts reflect differing notions of quality of life. Determining the quality of life involves personal issues--the cognitive ability to evaluate one's own life; the perception of a satisfactory state of social, emotional, physical, and mental health; and an acceptable feeling of well-being despite physical limitations. In contrast, and often conflict, are objective evaluations of treatment outcomes, morbidity/mortality statistics, cost/benefit analyses, and age studies performed in an attempt to determine quality of life by persons other than the patient.

Quality of life for critical care patients: a concept analysis

Confusion, misunderstanding, and ethical concerns may interfere with patients' choices for appropriate treatment and subsequent quality of life. Such concerns did not originate from recent technological advances but from the ancient Greeks and Romans who honored health more than life, and the early Christians who honored life more than health. These opposing concepts reflect differing notions of quality of life. Determining the quality of life involves personal issues--the cognitive ability to evaluate one's own life; the perception of a satisfactory state of social, emotional, physical, and mental health; and an acceptable feeling of well-being despite physical limitations. In contrast, and often conflict, are objective evaluations of treatment outcomes, morbidity/mortality statistics, cost/benefit analyses, and age studies performed in an attempt to determine quality of life by persons other than the patient.

The Agricultural Health Study

The Agricultural Health Study, a large prospective cohort study has been initiated in North Carolina and Iowa. The objectives of this study are to: 1) identify and quantify cancer risks among men, women, whites, and minorities associated with direct exposure to pesticides and other agricultural agents; 2) evaluate noncancer health risks including neurotoxicity reproductive effects, immunologic effects, nonmalignant respiratory disease, kidney disease, and growth and development among children; 3) evaluate disease risks among spouses and children of farmers that may arise from direct contact with pesticides and agricultural chemicals used in the home lawns and gardens, and from indirect contact, such as spray drift, laundering work clothes, or contaminated food or water; 4) assess current and past occupational and nonoccupational agricultural exposures using periodic interviews and environmental and biologic monitoring; 5) study the relationship between agricultural exposures, biomarkers of exposure, biologic effect, and genetic susceptibility factors relevant to carcinogenesis; and 6) identify and quantify cancer and other disease risks associated with lifestyle factors such as diet, cooking practices, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, and hair dye use. In the first year of a 3-year enrollment period, 26,235 people have been enrolled in the study, including 19,776 registered pesticide applicators and 6,459 spouses of registered farmer applicators. It is estimated that when the total cohort is assembled in 1997 it will include approximately 75,000 adult study subjects. Farmers, the largest group of registered pesticide applicators comprise 77% of the target population enrolled in the study. This experience compares favorably with enrollment rates of previous prospective studies.

Non-occupational exposures to pesticides for residents of two U.S. cities

The Non-Occupational Pesticide Exposure Study, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was designed to assess total human exposures to 32 pesticides and pesticide degradation products in the non-occupational environment; however, the study focused primarily on inhalation exposures. Two sites--Jacksonville, Florida (USA) and Springfield/Chicopee, Massachusetts (USA)--were studied during three seasons: Summer 1986 (Jacksonville only), Spring 1987, and Winter 1988. Probability samples of 49 to 72 persons participated in individual site/seasons. The primary environmental monitoring consisted of 24-hr indoor, personal, and outdoor air samples analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/electron capture detection. Indoor and personal air concentrations tended to be higher in Jacksonville than in Springfield/Chicopee. Concentrations tended to be highest in summer, lower in spring, and lowest in winter. Indoor and personal air concentrations were generally comparable and were usually much higher than outdoor air concentrations. Inhalation exposure exceeded dietary exposure for cyclodiene termiticides and for pesticides used mainly in the home. Dietary exposures were greater for many of the other pesticides. Inhalation risks were uncertain for termiticides (depending on rates of degradation) but were negligible for other pesticides. The data were insufficient to support risk assessments for food, dermal contact, or house dust exposures.

Scoring acuity hours and costs of nursing for trauma care

OBJECTIVE: To determine nursing resource utilization (acuity hours and dollars) by trauma patients based on analysis of a nursing acuity system and five trauma scoring systems. METHODS: Retrospective review of 448 trauma patients who required transport by aircraft to a level I trauma center. Values from the institution's automated nursing acuity system were compared with the Glasgow Coma Scale score, trauma score, revised trauma score, CRAMS score and injury severity score to obtain acuity hours and financial cost of care for trauma patients. RESULTS: Consistently, analysis of scores computed by five scoring instruments confirmed that nursing resource utilization is greatest for patients who are severely injured but likely to recover. For example, patients with a trauma score of 1 required 49 (+/- 66) mean acuity hours of care; those with a trauma score of 8 needed 189 (+/- 229) mean acuity hours; and those with a trauma score of 16 used 73 (+/- 120) mean acuity hours. Mean dollar costs were $980 (+/- 1293), $3812 (+/- 4518) and $1492 (+/- 2473), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing resource utilization can be determined for trauma patients by using an automated nursing acuity system and trauma scoring systems. Data acquired in this way provide a concrete basis for healthcare and reimbursement reform, for administrators who design nursing allocations and for nursing educators who prepare graduates to meet the needs of healthcare consumers.

Scoring acuity hours and costs of nursing for trauma care

OBJECTIVE

To determine nursing resource utilization (acuity hours and dollars) by trauma patients based on analysis of a nursing acuity system and five trauma scoring systems.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 448 trauma patients who required transport by aircraft to a level I trauma center. Values from the institution's automated nursing acuity system were compared with the Glasgow Coma Scale score, trauma score, revised trauma score, CRAMS score and injury severity score to obtain acuity hours and financial cost of care for trauma patients.

RESULTS

Consistently, analysis of scores computed by five scoring instruments confirmed that nursing resource utilization is greatest for patients who are severely injured but likely to recover. For example, patients with a trauma score of 1 required 49 (+/- 66) mean acuity hours of care; those with a trauma score of 8 needed 189 (+/- 229) mean acuity hours; and those with a trauma score of 16 used 73 (+/- 120) mean acuity hours. Mean dollar costs were $980 (+/- 1293), $3812 (+/- 4518) and $1492 (+/- 2473), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing resource utilization can be determined for trauma patients by using an automated nursing acuity system and trauma scoring systems. Data acquired in this way provide a concrete basis for healthcare and reimbursement reform, for administrators who design nursing allocations and for nursing educators who prepare graduates to meet the needs of healthcare consumers.

Analytical methods for detection of nonoccupational exposure to pesticides

An analytical protocol is developed to analyze for 33 compounds in ambient air around the household, drinking water, and from dermal contact while applying pesticides. Soxhlet extraction is used on both the polyurethane foam plugs, which were used as air sample trapping media, and the gloves reflecting dermal contact. The extraction procedure of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 608 is used for water samples. A stringent gas chromatography/electron capture detection (GC/ECD) and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy/multiple ion detection (GC/MS/MID) analytical approach parallel to the procedures of the current EPA contract laboratory program is used for analysis.

Measurement of atmospheric concentrations of common household pesticides: A pilot study

Air concentrations of 28 of the most commonly used household pesticides were measured inside nine homes in Jacksonville, Florida, and compared with corresponding outdoor levels. The households selected were sorted into three categories according to the degree of pesticide indoor usage. Personal air monitoring was also performed on one resident of each household by means of a portable sampler, which was kept with the person at all times. Five of the pesticides were found in the air inside of the majority of the homes at concentrations as high as 15 μgm(-3) (average concentrations, 12 ngm(-3) to 2.4 μgm(-3)). Indoor levels were generally one to two ordrrs of magnitude higher than surrounding outdoor air levels and personal air measurements were within ± 50% of corresponding indoor values. All samples were collected over 24-hr periods on polyurethane foam and analyzed by capillary colum gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and/or electron capture detection.