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Modeling the dietary pesticide exposures of young children
Frank R Pennycook1, Emily M Diamand, Andrew Watterson
1Friends of the Earth (Trust), London, England.
Insights
This study assessed pesticide residues in UK children's diets, finding that between 10 and 226.6 young children daily may exceed the acute reference dose (ARD) for certain pesticides in apples and pears.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Pesticide residues in food pose potential risks to vulnerable populations, particularly young children.
- Assessing dietary exposure is crucial for understanding and managing these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential risk of exceeding the acute reference dose (ARD) for specific pesticide residues in apples and pears consumed by young children in the UK.
- To quantify the actual risk by modeling consumption patterns and residue levels.
Main Methods:
- A stepped approach was employed, initially testing theoretical exceedances of the ARD using maximum residue data and average body weights.
- Stochastic modeling was used to simulate actual risk, incorporating dietary survey data, individual body weights, and residue variability from 2000-2002.
- The study focused on dithiocarbamates, phosmet, and carbendazim residues.
Main Results:
- The number of children per day potentially exceeding the ARD ranged from 10 to 226.6, varying by pesticide and sampling year.
- Results indicated a theoretical possibility of exceeding the ARD for certain pesticide-fruit combinations.
- The stochastic modeling provided a quantified risk assessment based on realistic consumption and exposure scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the need for regulatory consideration regarding pesticide residue levels in fruits consumed by young children.
- The study provides a quantitative basis for risk assessment and potential regulatory actions to protect child health.
- Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment of pesticide exposure in children's diets are recommended.
Abstract:
A stepped approach was used to assess the exposures of 1 1/2-4 1/2-year-old children in the United Kingdom to residues of pesticides (dithiocarbamates; phosmet; carbendazim) found in apples and pears. The theoretical possibility that the acute reference dose (ARD) was being exceeded for a particular pesticide/fruit was tested by applying a combination of maximal variability and maximum measured residue relative to an average-body-weight consumer. The actual risk was then quantified by stochastically modeling consumption, from dietary survey data, with individual body weights, against published residue results for 2000-2002 and the variability of residue distribution within batches. The results, expressed as numbers of children per day likely to ingest more than the ARD, were in the range of 10-226.6 children per day, depending upon the pesticide and year of sampling. The implications for regulatory action are discussed.
