State Representative Jeff Shipley (R-Van Buren), and his Committee for Peace and Prosperity, today announced a major collaborative research initiative with the Health Research Institute (HRI) in Fairfield, Iowa. Led by renowned scientist Dr. John Fagan, CEO and Chief Scientist of HRI, the study will rigorously investigate pesticide exposure among Iowa residents using highly sensitive Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/MS) to identify pesticides and their breakdown products (metabolites) in human biological samples.
This urgently needed research comes at a critical juncture amid ongoing legislative debates in the Iowa General Assembly, in Congress, and before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding pesticide liability, “failure-to-warn” claims, and protections for manufacturers amid rising concerns over health impacts from widespread agricultural and landscape chemical use.
The study will aim to collect three human samples per participant over the course of a full year, enabling scientists to track seasonal variations in exposure levels—potentially capturing peaks during high-application periods (e.g., spring planting and summer maintenance) and lower levels in off-seasons. Samples will primarily include non-invasive biofluids such as urine, a well-established matrix for detecting pesticide metabolites.
Participants will represent a broad, diverse cross-section of Iowans to ensure comprehensive insights:
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Residents living adjacent to high-input turfs (e.g., golf courses and intensively managed landscapes regularly treated with pesticides and fertilizers)
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Farmers and agricultural workers in conventional row-crop systems
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Urban, suburban, and rural community members
By including this wide demographic range, the study aims to provide robust, representative data on how proximity to pesticide sources, occupation, and lifestyle influence real-world exposure in America’s heartland—where intensive agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy.
Representative Jeff Shipley will serve as the lead author and primary financier of the study, underscoring his commitment to evidence-based policymaking that prioritizes public health, prosperity for Iowa families, and informed discussions on chemical safety and liability.
“Iowans deserve clear, independent science to understand pesticide exposure in our daily lives—especially as debate rages over corporate accountability and personal health protections,” said Rep. Shipley. “Partnering with Dr. Fagan and the Health Research Institute, a leader in rigorous, accredited testing for food purity, environmental contaminants, and human health impacts, ensures this study will deliver credible, actionable data. This isn’t about politics, it’s about elevating human consciousness through objective and verifiable collection and publication of data.”
Dr. John Fagan, a globally respected expert in nutrient density and in food safety, sustainability, and the health consequences of pesticides and related technologies, added: “This project is exactly why I founded the Health Research Institute. Our team is eager to bring our CLIA- and ISO-accredited expertise in advanced analytical methods, including mass spectrometry, to this vital Iowa-focused project. By measuring pesticide metabolites longitudinally in human samples, we’ll generate unprecedented seasonal data that can inform better practices, stronger safeguards, and healthier communities.”
The study aligns with growing national attention to pesticide-related health concerns, including cancer rates in high-agricultural states like Iowa, rising rates of neurological disorders, and calls for transparent, independent research amid industry-backed liability shield proposals.
Results are expected to meaningfully contribute to ongoing policy conversations, empowering lawmakers, regulators, farmers, and citizens with science-driven insights.
To apply to participate in the study, use this link – Research Study Participant Application (www.peaceloveiowa.com/research)
