ACROPOLIS

Aggregate and Cumulative Risk Of Pesticides: an On-Line Integrated Strategy

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'EU Directive 396/2005 states that methods are needed to account for cumulative and aggregate exposure in pesticides regulation . 27% of food samples had multiple residues in the 2006 EU residue monitoring report. The Eurobarometer shows pesticides are one of the principal worries of EU consumers regarding food safety. Industry needs clear criteria to decide on large investments in product development. The central aim of the ACROPLIS project is: to develop a framework for cumulative and aggregate risk assessment of pesticides in an understandable way, accessible for all actors involved in European risk assessment and management. ACROPOLIS will: 1) study the data needs, data availability and uncertainties for cumulative exposure and effect assessment in a probabilistic risk assessment framework; 2) integrate models describing various routes of exposure into an aggregate exposure model; 3) develop new toxicological approaches for identifying possible additive or synergistic effects and developing a strategy for refinement of cumulative assessment groups; 4) integrate cumulative and aggregate risk models including uncertainty analyses in a web-based tool, including accessible data for all stakeholders; 5) improve risk assessment strategies in Europe by analysing stakeholders attitudes, by training and by discussing the new methodology in several stakeholder conferences. The project brings together the key experts and models in Europe including dietary exposure MCRA, dermal and inhalation exposure ConsExpo, user exposure EUROPOEM and UK POEM, dose-response PROAST and risk characterisation IPRA. The new integrated model will be tested in case studies with conazoles and pyrethroids and validated with biomarker and duplicate diet studies. The model software will be tested in different countries to ensure its usability at the international level. Overall ACROPOLIS will advance the scientific foundation to meet policy needs, protect EU consumers and address their concerns.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Researchers have built an online tool to assess pesticide exposure risk based on regulations from 10 EU Member States.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

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' (http://acropolis-eu.com (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.