Genetic Susceptibility in Migrant Farmworker Children

Primary Objectives: 1. To test the hypothesis that children whose mothers are Migrant/Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFs) (occupationally-exposed to pesticides) may be at a higher risk for exhibiting mutagen-induced DNA damage than children whose mothers and fathers are not MSFs. 2. To test the hypothesis that MSF mothers (occupationally-exposed to pesticides) may be at a higher risk for exhibiting mutagen-induced DNA damage than mothers who are not MSFs. Secondary Objectives: 1. To test the hypothesis that both the extent of pesticide exposure and the type of polymorphisms in chemical detoxification genes and DNA repair genes contribute to the extent of cytogenetic damage found in children of MSF women. 2. To test the hypothesis that both the extent of pesticide exposure and the type of polymorphisms in chemical detoxification genes and DNA repair genes contribute to the extent of cytogenetic damage found in MSF mothers. 3. To test the hypothesis that the total concentration levels of organochlorine (OCP) and organophosphate (OP) pesticides will correlate with the mutagenic potency of the serum and urine of the children. 4. To test the hypothesis that the total concentration levels of OCP and OP pesticides will correlate with the mutagenic potency of the serum and urine of the mothers. 5. To test the hypothesis that inherited polymorphisms in the PON1 gene and its expression modulate the risk for OP genotoxicity measured by the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in MSF children. 6. To test the hypothesis that inherited polymorphisms in the PON1 gene and its expression modulate the risk for OP genotoxicity measured by the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in MSF mothers.