Yanis Brinkmann

Citation

Thesis Title
Neuropsychological functioning and pesticide exposure in children aged 6-11

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Pesticide use is increasingly becoming a health concern across the globe, with numerous studies identifying a link between chronic and serious medical conditions including cancer. While equally serious, the effects of pesticide exposure on the brain, in particular regarding the neuropsychological development of children, are less well understood. To help bridge this gap in the literature, the Massey School of Psychology and the Centre for Public Health Research undertook a joint study investigating the potential effects of pesticide exposure on children's development. Mr Brinkmann's thesis, situated within this project, investigated the effects of pesticide exposure on the neuropsychological development in children aged 6-11 years in New Zealand. He found that with the exception of facial memory, children's neuropsychological development appeared to be largely unaffected by pesticide exposure in the current sample. While these results are preliminary, they are encouraging for the overall health of New Zealand.

Supervisors
Professor Janet Leathem
Professor Jeroen Douwes