Application of Plant Protection Products (PPP) in Apple Orchards
Researchers are conducting a small, early-stage study, called a pilot, to understand better how people might come into contact with certain plant protection products (Pesticides, used on plants to protect them from insects or diseases) when they are used in apple orchards. The study will look at people who apply these products, workers in the orchards, and those who live close by. We'll be checking for tiny amounts of these products on their skin, in the air they breathe, and in their urine. We'll also look at blood samples to see if there are any changes in their bodies. Because plant protection products are often sprayed from higher up in apple orchards, there's a chance they might travel further than if they were sprayed near the ground. This study will help us prepare for a bigger study to understand the effects fully.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'aPPPle', is a small, initial research project designed to help us prepare for a larger, more detailed study. The main goal is to understand if people who are involved with or live near apple orchards are exposed to certain chemicals used to protect the apple trees. These chemicals include an insecticide (to kill insects) called acetamiprid, and two fungicides (to prevent fungi/diseases) called dithianon and dodine.
We're particularly interested in apple orchards because the chemicals are often sprayed from higher up into the trees. This means there's a chance these sprays could drift further through the air, potentially affecting a wider area than sprays used closer to the ground. The study will look at three main groups: people who apply these products, workers in the orchards, and people who live nearby.
To discover if people are exposed, we'll check for traces of these chemicals on their skin and in the air they breathe. We'll also collect urine samples to see if their bodies have processed any of these chemicals. Furthermore, we'll take blood samples to look for any slight changes in certain 'biomarkers' – these are substances in your blood that can give us clues about what's happening inside your body after exposure.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to understand exposure to chemicals used in apple orchards.
- It's a pilot study, an important first step for future research.
- Researchers will check for chemicals on skin, in the air, and in urine and blood.
- It focuses on apple orchards due to the way sprays are applied.
- The study involves people who apply chemicals, orchard workers, and local residents.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must also be able to understand what the study involves and be happy to sign a consent form, which gives your written permission to participate. You also need to be part of one of the specific groups the study is looking at, such as apple orchard workers, people who apply plant protection products, or those living close to orchards. Finally, you'll need to have health insurance.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have a job or a regular activity that involves directly working with the specific chemicals we're studying – acetamiprid, dithianon, or dodine – you won't be able to participate if you're in the 'resident' or 'control group'.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you understand the study information and give written permission to take part?
- Are you part of the groups being studied (e.g., apple orchard worker, resident near an orchard, chemical applicator)?
- Do you have health insurance?
- Do you *not* regularly work directly with acetamiprid, dithianon, or dodine (if you are a resident or control participant)?
What does participation involve?
The detailed activities involved in participation are not specified in the provided information. However, generally, studies like this might involve visits to a study site, providing samples (like urine and blood), and answering questions about your activities and health. We don't have information on the total number of visits, how long each visit would take, or the overall duration of your involvement in the study from the summary provided. There is no mention of taking any medication as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'plant protection product'?
Plant protection products are chemicals used on plants to protect them from things like insects, weeds, or diseases. They're often called pesticides.
Why are apple orchards important for this study?
Sprays in apple orchards are often applied higher up in the trees. This means the sprays might travel further in the air, so the study wants to see if this affects exposure.
What does checking 'biomarkers' in my blood mean?
Biomarkers are tiny clues in your blood that can show if your body has been exposed to something or if there are any subtle changes happening inside.
Is this a full study or a trial?
This is a 'pilot study', which means it's a smaller, early version to test how things work and get some first results before a larger, main study is done.
What chemicals are being looked at?
The study is looking at an insect killer called acetamiprid, and two disease-preventers called dithianon and dodine.
How to find out more
Prof. Dr. Cornelia Weikert
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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