Occupational and Residential Exposure Assessment for Pesticides

Pesticides are a class of products essential for sustainable agriculture and good public health, especially in light of the increase in vector borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and the ongoing challenge of malaria control. Public anxiety regarding the impact of exposure to pesticides on their health and that of their children underscores the importance of generating accurate and reliable exposure data to allow appropriate decisions to be made on registration and use of pesticides. This book documents the current state of knowledge in occupational and residential exposure assessment and outlines ways exposure data are used in assessing the risks of pesticides to humans. The importance of developing standardized methods for measuring exposure, building mathematical models and interpreting data to foster internationally harmonized, scientifically sound decisions is discussed. An Exposure Guidelines Reference List, including web sites, provides the reader quick access to primary international data sources from which more detailed information may be obtained. A Glossary of Terms that have international acceptance is also included to facilitate consistent understanding of the broad subject matter in this book. This book critically reviews the current state of knowledge of pesticide exposure assessment and recommends ways to advance our ability to fully characterize and accurately assess potential exposure and risks. Many of the principles used in pesticide exposure assessment are applicable to other classes of chemicals, and it is hoped that this book will encourage cross–fertilization among disciplines. In particular, continued international cooperation and harmonization will be essential to ensure the protection of workers and the general public from adverse effects of pesticides.