A simple genetic variation might explain why some farmers become ill after
low-level, long-term exposure to chemicals in sheep-dip. The gene for
paraoxonase, the enzyme that neutralises organophosphate pesticides, comes in
two forms, and one makes a much less effective enzyme. Nicola Cherry of
Manchester University will compare genotypes and sheep-dip related illness in
around 300 people to help banish remaining doubts that organophosphates causes
neurological illness.
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