Interventions to reduce pesticide exposure and associated ill health in pesticide exposed workers and family members

Pesticide exposure has been associated with a range of serious long term health effects, including neurodegenerative conditions and cancer.

A recent study conducted by the Centre for Public Health Research showed that pesticide users’ urinary concentrations of pesticides and their metabolites were considerably higher than those of the general population, illustrating the need for improvements in exposure controls for New Zealand pesticide applicators.

This cluster randomized controlled trial in 200 pesticide users aims to identify effective intervention strategies to reduce pesticide exposure. We will measure pesticide exposure levels before and after interventions that will be co-designed to reduce applicators’ exposure to pesticides. We will also determine the effect of these interventions on a range of biomarkers and health parameters.

Based on our findings, worker-friendly information and educational materials will be developed including concrete, practical and easy to understand guidelines to reduce exposure to pesticides.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

't Mannetje A. Cancer agents at work. Safeguard, 2020; March/April: 22-23.