Limiting the danger of pesticides Researchers have built an online tool to assess pesticide exposure risk based on regulations from 10 EU Member States. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock A 2006 EU report found that 27 % of food samples tested contained multiple pesticides. Combined with significant consumer concern about pesticide risks, there is a need for proper risk assessment. The overall objective of the 'Aggregate and cumulative risk of pesticides: An on-line integrated strategy' (ACROPOLIS) project, funded by the EU, was to improve risk assessment strategies in Europe. The project aimed to develop an easy-to-use tool to gauge the risks of cumulative pesticide exposure. Researchers developed models to calculate exposure, and they designed toxicological tests to assess the effect of various pesticides. Furthermore, stakeholder meetings have brought together industry, regulators and food authorities to help understand the online ACROPOLIS model and data. The tool also incorporates monitoring data from 10 EU states and this information can be used to assess cumulative pesticide risks. Researchers undertook four case studies, which showed that the tool was widely applicable and easy to use. In addition, the tool was validated against a similar system built by the United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Surveys of the ACROPOLIS tool showed widespread approval among end users. The project outcomes should lead to safer foods and better management of pesticide use in the EU. Keywords Pesticides, pesticide exposure, exposure risk, risk assessment, toxicological tests
