EIRE Study (nEonicotinoid Insecticide exposuREs)
The EIRE study is a study of exposures to neonicotinoid insecticides among the Irish population using a human biomonitoring strategy. Dr Alison Connolly, Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, is the lead for the study.
Neonicotinoid insecticides and neonicotinoid-like compounds (NNIs) are the most widely used type of insecticides worldwide. An insecticide is a pesticide that kills insects and prevents insect infestations. Acetamiprid (Roseclear®) and Flupyradifurone (Provanto Smart Bug Killer®) are the two main NNIs that are used to protect plants from insects in Ireland. Imidacloprid (Advocate® and Advantage®) is a NNI that is used as a flea treatment for dogs and cats.
We will use human biomonitoring (HBM) to quantify overall exposure to NNIs in both environmental and occupational settings. This means that we will analyse urine samples from selected groups for NNIs and their metabolites (break-down products).
We are currently recruiting participants for 3 different HBM studies of NNIs. These studies are:
- Pet Owners that use NNIs as flea treatment.
- Pet Shelter Workers that use NNIs as flea treatments.
- Professional Gardeners, Landscapers, and Nursery Workers that use NNIs to protect plants.
The EIRE study will generate data on environmental and occupational exposure to NNIs, which can be used to support policy-making and examine methods to reduce exposure.
The EIRE research study will be carried out by researchers based in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science in collaboration with the Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine (IPA) of the German Social Accident Insurance Bochum, Germany. The study is planned to take place from November 2022 – November 2026.
This study is funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) pathway programme.
If you are interested in participating in the study or would like further information, please contact:
Darragh Doherty, Doctoral Student: (opens in a new window)darragh.doherty@ucdconnect.ie
Dr Alison Connolly, Assistant Professor: (opens in a new window)alison.connolly@ucd.ie
Dr Sewon Lee, Postdoctoral Researcher: (opens in a new window)sewon.lee@ucd.ie
