Introduction

Agricultural health is the study of environmental, occupational, dietary, and genetic factors on the health of farmers, farm families, pesticide applicators, and others who work with and are exposed to agricultural chemicals. NIEHS is a partner with the National Cancer Institute in the Agricultural Health Study, a long-term study of 60,000 pesticide applicators, farm workers, and their spouses that is exploring the potential links between agricultural exposures and cancer and other chronic diseases.

What is NIEHS Doing?

NIEHS Research Efforts

• Agricultural Health Study The Agricultural Health Study works to understand how agricultural, lifestyle, and genetic factors affect the health of farming populations.
• Captafol Profile: Report on Carcinogens U.S. workers previously were exposed to captafol during its production, formulation, or application to agricultural fields; on reentry to a sprayed field; or when working with treated timber products.

Further Reading

Stories from the Environmental Factor (NIEHS Newsletter)

• Certain Pesticides Linked to Kidney Cancer in Agricultural Workers (July 2020)

Related Health Topics

• Air Pollution and Your Health
• Children's Environmental Health
• Workers' Health
• Pesticides
• Safe Water and Your Health

Research Links

• Thayer KA, Heindel JJ, Bucher JR, Gallo MA. Role of Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2012;120(6):779-789. doi:10.1289/ehp.1104597. [Abstract Thayer KA, Heindel JJ, Bucher JR, Gallo MA. Role of Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2012;120(6):779-789. doi:10.1289/ehp.1104597.] [PDF Thayer KA, Heindel JJ, Bucher JR, Gallo MA. Role of Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2012;120(6):779-789. doi:10.1289/ehp.1104597.] 

For Educators

• Pesticide Safety: Elementary School Curriculum (4MB) From grantee Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center.
• Pesticide Safety: Preschool Curriculum (English and Spanish) / Seguridad de Plaguicidas: Currículum Preescolar (Inglés y Español) (4MB) From grantee Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center.
• Pesticide Promotora: Residential Pesticide Safety Education Materials This program was developed by researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM) to meet the need for culturally appropriate teaching materials aimed at educating farmworker families about agricultural and residential pesticide safety.