None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Aims: This study aims to develop the methodology for clinical point of care (POC) sampling to determine the level of exposure to organophosphates (OP’s) by western Victorian farmers. Significance: This methodology will test for cholinesterase activity and provide the basis for future research work by identifying the potential chemical exposure pathways of individuals most at risk in farming communities. Expected outcomes: The study will provide a methodology for cholinesterase activity measurement in farmers and the possible integration of POC sampling in farmer health checks. Importantly it will highlight pesticide contact as a risk for farmers, leading to further research to quantify pesticide exposure both on the farm and in the home of farming families.
Interventions
Target Population: Western Victorian farmers and agricultural workers engaged in crop and livestock operations, with self-reported use of agrichemicals and cholinesterase inhibiting insecticides.
By measuring the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase, exposure to organophophates can be identified. Enzyme activity will be monitored every 4 weeks over the 12 months period.
Each participant will receive a baseline health check during the first visit including:
a) Measurements: Height, weight, wai
Target Population: Western Victorian farmers and agricultural workers engaged in crop and livestock operations, with self-reported use of agrichemicals and cholinesterase inhibiting insecticides. By measuring the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase, exposure to organophophates can be identified. Enzyme activity will be monitored every 4 weeks over the 12 months period. Each participant will receive a baseline health check during the first visit including: a) Measurements: Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, pulse rate. b) Capillary blood sample : Collected using a finger prick, will test for : Fasting blood glucose, establish personal quantitative estimates of both red blood cell ChE and Plasma ChE. c) Health and Chemical usage survey: Complete chemical use and well being questionnaire For the subsequent visits, each participant will undergo: a) Capillary blood sample: Individualised cholinesterase activity level measured , recorded and discussed by registered nurse. b) Health and Chemical usage survey: Chemical use and well being questionnaire
Sponsors
Deakin University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Farmers and farm workers, who are routinely working with agrichemicals , particularly those containing organophosphate (AChE inhibiting chemicals), Have not had a previous chemical known incident, are not suffering from a known chronic disorder, not taking anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements. Participants will need to report usage/exposure to OP throughout the course of the study. Competent to decide and have capacity to consent to participate in the study and, attend a health assessment. Live in south west Victoria.
Exclusion criteria
Participants of under 18 years of age and who have a recent known chemical incident, or are suffering from a known chronic disease or are taking anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements
Outcome results
None listed