Investigating exposure to plant protection products in apple orchards
Official title: Pilot Study on the Exposure of Operators, Residents and Workers to Plant Protection Products Used in Apple Orchards and Possible Health Effects
Run by German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment · NCT06884189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how exposure to certain chemicals used in apple orchards affects the health of workers, operators, and nearby residents by checking their blood and urine.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Berlin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 20, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 20, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | March 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06884189 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study include adults over 18 years old who are involved in or live near apple orchards where these substances are applied.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with direct professional contact with acetamiprid, dithianon, or dodine will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The aPPPle pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of monitoring exposure to plant protection products (PPP) among operators, workers, and residents in apple orchards. It focuses on the potential physiological effects of these exposures by analyzing blood biomarkers and metabolites in urine. The study specifically examines the impact of acetamiprid, dithianon, and dodine, which are commonly used in apple cultivation, particularly at higher altitudes where drift and exposure risks are increased. This observational study will generate preliminary data to inform a larger main study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the health risks associated with exposure to plant protection products in agricultural settings.
How similar studies have gone: While this study is focused on a specific context, similar studies on agricultural exposure have shown varying degrees of success in understanding health impacts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
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Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
Berlin, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Prof. Dr. Cornelia Weikert
- Email: cornelia.weikert@bfr.bund.de
- Phone: +49 301841255000
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.