This sub-study investigates whether exposure to pesticides affects children’s cognitive development. This includes their concentration, spatial awareness, ability to make and carry out plans, language skills, spatial tasks and memory. Children in primary school years 7 and 8 who currently live near agricultural land are involved in the study. These children may be exposed to more pesticides via the air than children who live further away. Utrecht University is conducting this study, together with RIVM.

The study uses various methods to assess how children come into contact with pesticides (exposure). The children’s cognitive functions are also assessed using tests and questionnaires. This enables the researchers to gain an understanding of the level of exposure and the potential impact on brain development.

How this is investigated

The study comprises: A pilot (phase 1) and a large-scale follow-up study (phase 2).

Expected duration of the pilot (phase 1): March 2024 - July 2026

The pilot study comprises two parts:

  1. Exposure: research is conducted to determine the best way to measure children’s exposure to pesticides. The researchers are doing this to assess whether this method is both accurate and user-friendly. For example, this study involves wearing a wristband and sending in a small strand of hair and some collected house dust.
     
  2. Cognition: Children have completed various online tests to assess their cognitive development and to evaluate the practical applicability of this method.

Around 50 children from the Gelderland fruit-growing region took part in the pilot phase (phase 1) in 2025.

Expected duration of the follow-up study (phase 2): end 2030

The results of the pilot phase will be used to further refine the study’s approach. This will be followed in 2026 by a large-scale study involving around 2,000 children from rural areas across the Netherlands.

Do you want to participate?

Utrecht University is seeking children in group 7 and 8 of primary school (age 10-12 years old) who would like to take part in phase 2 of this study. For more information and to register, please visit the website: obokids.nl. Participation is always voluntary.