BROWSE

"Bystanders, Residents, Operators and WorkerS Exposure models for plant protection products"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The BROWSE proposal is focussed directly and precisely on all the requirements of the call text. Specifically, it will: - Review, improve and extend the models currently used in the risk assessment of plant protection products (PPPs) to evaluate the exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders. - Use the new and improved exposure models to contribute to the implementation of Regulation 1107/2009 on authorisation of PPPs, replacing Directive 91/414/EC. - Use the new and improved exposure models to contribute to the implementation of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. - Involve all relevant stakeholders and end-users and take full account of relevant gender issues in developing the exposure models and policy tools. The workplan is aligned with these key objectives. In addition, several key cross-cutting themes are established to ensure their consistent and integrated treatment throughout the project. These are: exposure scenarios, volatilisation, transfer coefficients, statistical modelling and calibration, and data management. Key stakeholder groups will be represented on the project Advisory Panel as well as participating directly via consultations and workshops, and in surveys to obtain new data on practices and sociobehavioural and gender factors influencing exposure. Models for key exposure scenarios covering different regions of the EU will be developed in order of priority based on consultation with stakeholders, implemented as user-friendly software, and tested with end-users. Project outputs will be delivered through established networks with end-users in EU and national authorities, national training organisations, the pesticide industry, and relevant trade unions and NGOs. The consortium is superbly equipped to address the project objectives, including international leading experts on every aspect and long experience in both the science and the regulatory aspects of exposure assessment.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Most pesticides contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, animals or the environment. Safely using pesticides depends on using the appropriate pesticide and using it correctly.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Supported by EU funding, the 'Bystanders, residents, operators and workers exposure models for plant protection products' (http://www.browseproject.eu (BROWSE)) project has reviewed, improved and extended the models currently used in risk assessment of plant protection products (PPPs). The new exposure models contributed to updating regulations on authorisation and use of PPPs. All revised models involved relevant stakeholder and end-user communities. The work also took into account relevant gender issues in developing the exposure models and policy tools.

The project resulted in improved models for assessing exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders to pesticides. The advanced models are implemented in freely available, easy-to-use software, which end users can download from the project website and run on their own computers. The software is accompanied by user instructions and detailed technical documentation. The models and software are designed with the authorities responsible for pesticide regulation in mind.

Also developed through this funding was a new http://www.opentea.eu/ (e-training platform). This new platform lets users search and view a wide range of existing training materials on sustainable use of pesticides to reduce exposure and risk. The platform enables users to select materials of interest and combine them to create unique training programmes.

There is a new approach to measuring risk. Instead of directly measuring risk, indirect behavioural indicators are used. These measure progress in actions to reduce risk. The new approach includes training for farmers and operators along with improved application techniques, procedures for handling pesticides and disposing of waste.

This new methodology assesses the link between risk perceptions, attitudes and protective behaviours related to pesticide exposure. It generates data used for targeting risk communication and risk mitigation initiatives. The methodology was tested in surveys in Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Expected impact depends on acceptance by EU and national authorities, industry and other stakeholders. To maximise stakeholder acceptance, stakeholders had direct involvement, through workshops, consultations and evaluations organised during the project and they were also part of the advisory panel.