Study Background

This study explores potential causes of cancer and other diseases among farmers and their families and among commercial pesticide applicators. Current medical research suggests that while agricultural workers are generally healthier than the general US population, they may have higher rates of some cancers, including leukemia, myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the lip, stomach, skin, brain, and prostate. Other conditions, like asthma, neurologic disease, and adverse reproductive outcomes may also be related to agricultural exposures. The Agricultural Health Study is designed to identify occupational, lifestyle, and genetic factors that may affect the rate of diseases in farming populations.

The Agricultural Health Study began in 1994, and will continue to gather information for a number of years about the health of pesticide applicators and their families, details on occupational practices, and information on lifestyle and diet on a periodic basis. The complete set of questionnaires may be viewed. Personal identifying information on participants is kept confidential and used only by research staff. Names are not included in any reports. The study results are reported as statistical summaries only.

North Carolina and Iowa were selected for this important study based on a nationwide competition. Both states have strong agricultural sectors with diverse production methods, commodities, and products. Information we learn from these two states will be helpful to farmers throughout the United States and other countries using modern agricultural technologies.

The Agricultural Health Study is being directed by:

Dr. Michael Alavanja Project Officer and Principal Investigator
Laura Beane Freeman Co-Project Officer
National Cancer Institute
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 8000
Rockville, MD 20852

Dr. Dale Sandler Principal Investigator
Dr. Jane Hoppin Co-Principal Investigator
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Mr. Kent Thomas Team Leader and Principal Investigator
HERL, Environmental Research Center Annex
US Environmental Protection Agency
79 T.W. Alexander Drive, MD 56
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

Ms. Cynthia Hines
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
4676 Columbia Parkway, R-14
Cincinnati, OH 45226

In Iowa the study is under the supervision of:

Dr. Charles F. Lynch, Professor
Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health
The University of Iowa
200 Hawkins Drive, C 21-L GH
Iowa City, IA 52242

In North Carolina the study is under the supervision of:

Mr. Charles Knott
Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation
100 Capitola Drive, Suite 301
Durham, NC 27713

The Coordinating Center for the Agricultural Health Study is directed by:

Mrs. Marsha Dunn
Westat
1650 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850

An independent advisory panel composed of distinguished professionals from various scientific and/or agricultural fields advises researchers and field personnel with respect to study implementation and study reports (publications). This group has a responsibility to review and evaluate all procedures and public health messages to ensure they are in the best interest of study participants and the general public. On a yearly basis, researchers and field personnel conduct a series of public meetings* during which data collection and data analysis issues are presented to the advisory panel. In addition, selected members of the advisory panel review all manuscripts from the study before these are published. After both yearly meetings and manuscript review, comments from advisory panel members are carefully considered for incorporation into the study protocol and publications.

Thank you for your interest in the Agricultural Health Study. Obtaining information directly from the agricultural community is the most important way we have of conducting accurate and meaningful health research in this important segment of the US population.

* The next Agricultural Health Study National Advisory Panel Meeting will take place in 2009.

If you have any additional questions,
please call 1-800-4AGSTUDY (1-800-424-7883)