Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Chemical and Microbiological Exposure of Women on Dairy Cattle Farms

This research study aims to understand how women who work on dairy cattle farms in Western France are exposed to different chemicals and germs. While we know that farming involves contact with many substances, we don't fully understand exactly what these women are exposed to, especially through breathing them in or direct skin contact. This study will focus on women because they might do specific jobs different from men on these farms. Researchers will measure levels of chemicals like pesticides and disinfectants in samples such as urine, hair, and even air from milking areas. This will help them learn more about potential exposures in the farming environment. The study is for adult women who work at least 20 hours a week on a dairy farm and speak French.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

Start

03 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Occupational Exposure to Chemicals

What is this study about?

Imagine you work on a dairy farm. You're around cows, cleaning products, and sometimes medicines for the animals. This study wants to find out exactly what chemicals and tiny living things, like bacteria or fungi, you might come into contact with during your workday. We already know that people on farms are exposed to various things, but we don't have a clear picture of what this means for women in particular, especially through breathing things in or touching them.

The main goal of this research is to get a much better understanding of these exposures. The study is especially interested in women because they might have different daily tasks compared to men on the farm, which could lead to different types of contact with these substances. Understanding these exposures is important for ensuring the health and safety of people who work on farms.

To do this, the researchers will look for specific chemicals, such as pesticides (used to control pests), antiparasitic products (used to treat animals), and disinfectants (used for cleaning). They will also look for other chemical particles found in the farm environment. They will measure these in samples like urine and hair from the women taking part. They will also collect samples from the cows themselves, like hair, and even test the air in the milking areas. This detailed approach will help them build a full picture of what's in the farm environment.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand chemical and germ exposure for women on dairy farms.
It focuses on specific substances like pesticides and disinfectants.
Participation involves providing biological samples (urine, hair) and possibly farm samples.
The study is observational; no medications or changes to work are required.
Only adult women working at least 20 hours a week on dairy farms in Western France can participate.
The findings could help improve health and safety for female farm workers.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who work on dairy cattle farms in a specific region of Western France, called the "Grand Ouest". You need to be an adult woman to take part, and you must be able to speak and understand French clearly.

To be eligible, you also need to be working on a dairy farm for at least 20 hours a week – that's roughly half of a full-time job. This ensures that the study includes women who are regularly exposed to the farm environment.

However, if you work less than 20 hours a week on a dairy farm, or if you are under legal protection (meaning someone else legally manages your affairs), you wouldn't be able to join this study. Everyone who joins must also sign a consent form, showing they understand the study and agree to take part.

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 an adult woman?
Do you work on a dairy cattle farm in Western France (Grand Ouest region)?
Do you work at least 20 hours a week on a dairy farm?
Can you speak and understand French clearly?
Are you able to sign a consent form and not under legal protection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will ask you to provide several types of samples. These will include urine and hair samples from yourself. They may also ask for other samples, such as from the farm animals (like hair from cows) and possibly air samples from the milking buildings where you work. The study is designed to measure the levels of specific chemicals and germs in these samples. The total duration of your participation will depend on the sample collection schedule, but it's focused on understanding your current exposure within the farm environment. You won't be given any new medication or asked to change your farm practices as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to a better understanding of occupational health for women on dairy farms. This information could eventually help improve safety measures and working conditions in the farming industry. There are minimal direct risks involved, mainly the small inconvenience of providing biological samples like urine and hair. Your privacy will be protected. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your work or rights.

Locations (1)

UMR1085 Irset
Verified postcode
Rennes, France

Common questions

What exactly are "chemical and microbiological agents"?

These are simply different substances you might come into contact with. Chemicals could be things like cleaning products or animal medicines. Microbiological agents are tiny living things like bacteria or fungi, which are commonly found everywhere, including on farms.

Why are you focusing only on women?

Researchers believe that women working on dairy farms might do particular tasks or have different daily routines compared to men, which could mean they are exposed to different things. This study aims to understand their specific experiences.

Will I have to take any new medicines or change my work habits?

No, absolutely not. This study is only about understanding your current exposure. You will not be asked to take any medication or change how you usually work on the farm.

What kind of samples will I need to provide?

You'll be asked to provide samples like urine and hair. The researchers might also collect samples from the cows or take air samples from the milking areas on your farm.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and the results from your samples will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous. Your privacy is very important to the research team.