Application of Plant Protection Products (PPP) in Apple Orchards

Pilot Study on the Exposure of Operators, Residents and Workers to Plant Protection Products Used in Apple Orchards and Possible Health Effects

The aim of the aPPPle pilot study is to test feasibility and generate first results in preparation for a main study. The aPPPle study will investigate the exposure of operators, workers and residents to plant protection products (PPP) and potential physiological effects on blood biomarkers. The target plants are apple crops, as application occurs at higher altitudes and therefore higher drift/exposure is expected compared to ground-level application. The substances to be investigated are acetamiprid (an insecticide) and dithianon and dodine (two fungicides).

Inclusion Criteria:

• belonging to one of the defined study groups
• over 18 years of age at the time of recruitment
• person can understand the language and content of the study requirements
• person is capable of consenting to participate in the study and has given written consent to participate in the aPPPle study
• person has health insurance

Exclusion Criteria for residents and control:

person has direct professional contact with the tested substances acetamiprid, dithianon or dodine