Title: Paradigm shift in the risk assessment of cumulative effects of pesticide mixtures and multiple residues to humans and wildlife
Abstract: A paradigm shift is underway in the risk assessment of chemicals leaving behind the traditional “individual substance approach.” This simplified approach has long been criticized for not adequately taking into consideration the well-known occurrence of chemical mixtures and thus ignoring the “added risk” resulting from multiple exposure and associated mixture toxicity. More recently, the adequacy of this approach was also questioned from the political arena in Europe (Council of the European Union 2009; European Commission 2012). As a consequence, several reviews of the state-of-the-science as well as opinions on the implementation of mixture risk assessment in chemicals regulation have been delivered. Further, the principal request for taking the risk of mixtures into due account has been introduced in recently updated European chemicals legislations, e.g. for plant protection products and biocidal products. Common agricultural practice involve the application of two or more plant protection products simultaneously (tank-mixtures prepared by the farmers directly before application) as well as the sequential application of several different plant protection products during the growing season (serial applications). Hence, there is well-justified concern for exposure of humans and non-target organisms towards “coincidental” pesticide and herbicide (residue) mixtures resulting from common agricultural practice. [Roland Solecki, Bernd Stein, Tobias Frische, Steffen Matezki, Jörn Wogram & Martin Streloke (2014). Paradigm shift in the risk assessment of cumulative effects of pesticide mixtures and multiple residues to humans and wildlife: German proposal for a new approach. Journal of consumer protection and food safety, on-line Oct 09] Comment
