The CELSPAC - SPECIMEn

We are all exposed to a complex mixture of chemicals on daily basis. Some chemicals may have adverse effect on various aspects of human health. Hence, we must regulate amount of these chemicals in the environment, consumer products, food, drinking water and in certain workplaces. 

The purpose of CELSPAC - SPECIMEn study (Central European Longitudinal Studies of Parents and Children - Survey on PEstiCIde Mixtures in Europe) is to assess the levels of pesticides mixtures in European population. Participating countries of this join survey are all within the HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring for Europe) consortium (Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Netherland and Spain). 

Study is focused on a so-called “hotspot” design with suspect-screening. Hotspot areas are defined as residential areas close to agricultural areas where the pesticides are actively applied. Pesticides (or their metabolites) are measured in urine samples of at least 50 children (6-11 years) and 50 parents living in hotspot areas. In parallel, the control group includes at least 50 children and 50 parents living outside of hotspot areas. The sample collection was done over non-spraying season (winter) and spraying season (spring-summer). This design was adopted by all participating countries. Household dust samples were also collected from all participants in case of Czech Republic (PI study: Pavel Čupr). 

The main research questions are: 

1. Which combinations of pesticides are most commonly detected in suspect screening? 
2. Do patterns in pesticides detected in suspect screening differ between age groups and study populations in different countries?
3. Do patterns in pesticides detected in suspect screening differ between people living close to pesticide application sites and the general population? 
4. Do patterns in pesticides detected in suspect screening differ between seasons (spraying and non-spraying season)?  

Pesticide patterns in household dust samples will also be assessed together with target analysis for specific chemicals in urine samples.  

Overall results of the study together with individual results will be provided to all study participants in the year 2022. Overall results will be also published in the same year.