Chemical and Microbiological Exposure of Women on Dairy Cattle Farms

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Although professionals working on dairy cattle farms come into contact with a wide range of chemicals and microbiological agents, little is known about this possible exposure, which occurs a priori via inhalation and skin contact.

The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of this chemical and microbiological exposure, and this research focuses in particular on professional women working on dairy cattle farms , who may be in charge of specific activities not commonly carried out by professional men.

Exposure to pesticides, antiparasitic products and disinfectants will be the first substances to be investigated, followed by other chemical or particulate compounds present in everyday and professional environments. Exposure to these compounds will be measured by their presence in the urine, feces (if possible) and hair of around 60 participating women, as well as in bovine tuft/head hair and, if possible, air samples taken in milking buildings.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Exposure to chemicals of women working on dairy farms — At inclusion and at the end of the follow-up (for hair-concentrations), and during specific periods of agricultural activities (with two 4-day periods of urine sample collection, one period of faeces collection, and one week of environmental sampling)
  Concentrations of pesticide molecules, biocides, disinfectants and microbiological agents, measured in * urines of professional women working on dairy farms, * the hair of professional women working on dairy farms, * faeces of professional women from dairy farms, * tuft/head hair from females in the herd on farms where female professionals work, * environmental samples of pesticide molecules (PPPs, pesticides), biocides, disinfectants and microbiological agents.

Trial sites (1)

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