Together with Nivel and IRAS (Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences), RIVM is conducting research to ascertain whether people can become ill as a consequence of exposure to pesticides in their living environment. This could include inhaling substances in the air or via household dust. The research is known as OBO-2: the second Pesticides and Local Residents research study.
‘Pesticides’ is a collective term for plant protection products and biocides. Plant protection products are mainly used in agriculture, such as during vegetable and fruit cultivation. These substances control diseases and pests, including fungi, insects and weeds. Biocides are mainly used in households, hospitals, stables, public areas and businesses. These include, for example, disinfectants, material preservatives and pest control products.
Impact of pesticides on health
OBO-2 is investigating the impact of pesticides on the health of people who live near agricultural plots or work in agriculture. The research involves both adults and children.
The research is focusing on:
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Childhood leukaemia.
- Lymphoma in adults.
- Cognitive effects in children (brain development).
- COPD and asthma in adults and asthma in children.
- Acute or chronic health problems and conditions for which a GP consultation has taken place.
OBO-2 aim: improved knowledge and better-informed decisions
The research aims to determine whether pesticides negatively impact human health. The results will contribute to improvements in policy on pesticide approval. Such policy should help eliminate or, at least, reduce any adverse impact on health. OBO-2 also aims to address the concerns of local residents, farmers and other involved parties. Many people are worried about pesticide use in their neighbourhood or on their farm.
When will the results be available?
Conducting scientific research is very time-consuming. OBO-2 started in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2031. This does not means that the results will only become available in 2031. RIVM, Nivel and IRAS will provide regular progress updates on the research and will publish interim results. Further information can be found in the OBO-2 timeline.
Sub-studies
OBO-2 comprises ten sub-studies. A description of the sub-studies and the schedule is given below.
| Sub-study | Description | Expected duration |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure assessment | A study testing the computational model used to determine exposure to active substances in pesticides of those living near agricultural land. | October 2023 - November 2026 |
| Parkinson’s disease (case-control study) | A study involving patients to help gain a better understanding of the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of Parkinson’s disease. | October 2023 - September 2029 |
| Parkinson’s disease (cohort study) | A study to gain a better understanding of the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of Parkinson’s disease. | October 2023 - October 2027 |
| Analysis of data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry | A study into the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of leukaemia (in children) and lymphoma (in adults). The study will involve children and adults who currently live or previously lived near agricultural land. | October 2023 - September 2028 |
| Children’s cognitive development | A study into the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the impact on children’s cognitive development. The study will involve children in primary school years 7 and 8 who currently live near agricultural land. This will start with a pilot study, followed by a national study. | Preliminary study: March 2024 - autumn 2026 |
| COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma | A study into the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of chronic lower airway disorders (COPD and asthma). | October 2023 - May 2030 |
| Analysis of data from general practitioners (GPs) | A study into the link between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of various acute and chronic conditions. The study will examine GP consultations of people who currently live or previously lived near agricultural land. Data from GPs will be anonymised. | October 2023 - May 2029 |
| Health impact of occupational exposure | A study of the options for investigating the impact of pesticide exposure on the health of farmers and other occupationally exposed individuals. | Preliminary study: October 2023 - February 2026 |
Preliminary studies have already been conducted or are due to be conducted for various sub-studies within OBO-2. These studies will examine how the research can or should be conducted. Following the exploratory phase, the researchers will draw up a project plan for the study’s implementation.
Participating in a study?
Local residents (adults and/or children) or farmers can participate in various sub-studies. If you do take part, you will be helping us better understand the impact of pesticides. You will also be protecting your own health and the health of those in your neighbourhood.
More information is available on the sub-study internet pages.
OBO-1 Results
You can read more about the previous study (OBO-1) on the following overview page of publications describing the results of OBO-1.