Participants sought for agrichemical use study
Only eight Taranaki people have signed up for a Massey University study investigating the health effects of agri-chemicals.
Users and non-users of pesticides in Taranaki are being invited to be part of the confidential study.
Study leader Andrea Martine ‘t Mannetje said certain farming occupations in New Zealand were associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a common type of blood cancer.
While pesticide exposure was likely to play a role in NHL, it was not known which ones were involved. Overseas studies had shown pesticide exposure could result in subtle changes in biological markers that could be measured in people’s blood.
She said her study was investigating whether pesticides currently used in New Zealand were associated with biological markers that might play a role in NHL development. Researchers hoped to identify harmful pesticides and to develop strategies to reduce NHL risk.
One hundred users of pesticides and 50 non-users were being sought for the study.
‘‘We are inviting 100 healthy individuals who regularly apply pesticides from a range of farming sectors, including horticulture, sheep farming, and plant nurseries.’’
One hundred farmers and contractors had signed up, but more could still take part.
Research nurse Heather Duckett will visit participants to complete a confidential questionnaire about their health and work history and obtain two blood samples - one now and one during the spray season - and a urine sample.
Fifty healthy men who had never applied pesticides were being sought for the comparison group, but so far only 18 had signed up.
Duckett said attracting nonusers of pesticides to participate had been difficult because they saw little benefit to themselves.
However, anaemia had been detected in two of the 18 who were taking part. ‘‘So it is a health check.
‘‘For a non-sprayer, filling in the form is a piece of cake. It will take 20 minutes out of their day,’’ Duckett said.
All blood samples will be analysed for markers that indicate genetic damage and immune function. Selected urine samples will be analysed for pesticides and their break-down products.
GPs would be informed if the findings suggested a medical professional should follow them up, but only if the participant wished.
The study is being conducted in the lower North Island, south of Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and the Central Plateau. Results are expected to be published next year.