Study Background

The Agricultural Health Study is designed to identify occupational, lifestyle, and genetic factors that may affect the rate of diseases in farming populations. Current medical research suggests that while farmers are generally healthier than the general US population, they may have higher rates of some cancers, including leukemia, myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cancers of the lip, stomach, skin, brain, and prostate. Other conditions, like asthma, neurologic diseases, and adverse reproductive outcomes may also be related to agricultural exposures. The Agricultural Health Study began in 1993, and continues to periodically gather information about the health of pesticide applicators and their families, occupational practices, on lifestyle and diet. The complete set of questionnaires may be viewed . Information identifying participants is kept confidential and used only by research staff. Participant names are not included in any reports. 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 and commodities. Information we learn from these two states will be helpful to farmers throughout the United States as well as other countries that use modern agricultural practices.

The Agricultural Health Study is directed by the Agricultural Health Study Executive Committee:

Michael Alavanja, and Laura Beane Freeman
National Cancer Institute
6120 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7240
Rockville, MD 20852

Jane A. Hoppin and Dale P. Sandler
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Kent Thomas
US Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, MD E205-04
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

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

Aaron Blair - Emeritus Member of the Executive Committee
National Cancer Institute
Executive Plaza South, Room 8008
Rockville, MD 20852

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

Marsha Dunn
Westat
1650 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850

Charles F. Lynch
The University of Iowa
College of Public Health, Dept. of Epidemiology
105 River Street, Room S447 CPHB
Iowa City, IA 52242

An independent advisory panel composed of distinguished professionals from various scientific and/or agricultural fields advises researchers with respect to study implementation and study reports (publications). On a regular basis, researchers and field personnel conduct public meetings* during which data collection and data analysis issues are presented to the advisory panel. In addition, selected members of the advisory panel may review manuscripts from the study before these are published. 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 2012.

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