While child labor is restricted in most industries, agricultural work remains an exception. Under U.S. labor laws, children as young as 12 can legally work in the fields with parental permission, and in some cases, even younger children participate in farm labor. Many of these child workers are from Latinx immigrant families who depend on every available source of income to survive.

Due to their economic vulnerability, these children work in harsh conditions, often in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They are responsible for tasks such as harvesting crops, planting, and carrying heavy loads—all of which increase their susceptibility to heat-related illnesses.

Heat-Related Illness: A Serious Threat

Heat-related illness (HRI) occurs when the body struggles to regulate temperature under extreme heat conditions. The most common heat-related illnesses include:

Heat Exhaustion – Characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Without intervention, it can progress to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke – A life-threatening condition where the body loses its ability to cool itself, leading to confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death.

Dehydration – Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate hydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, and kidney complications.

Latinx child farmworkers are at high risk due to prolonged exposure to the sun, lack of rest breaks, and inadequate access to clean drinking water. Many farm employers do not provide sufficient shade or cooling measures, leaving these children highly vulnerable.