Potential human exposures to neonicotinoid insecticides: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) are widely used globally due to their efficacy and systemic properties.
• Concerns exist regarding their environmental persistence and potential for increased human exposure.
• Limited scientific literature addresses specific human exposure pathways for neonics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing scientific literature on human exposure to neonicotinoids.
• To identify and summarize potential exposure routes, including ingestion and inhalation.
• To propose methods for assessing combined exposures to neonicotinoid mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed articles published before 2017.
• Analysis of studies focusing on human exposure via ingestion and inhalation.
• Inclusion of human biomonitoring data to assess actual exposure levels.
• Proposal of the relative potency factor approach for mixture assessment.

Main Results:

• Summarized findings from studies on neonicotinoid ingestion and inhalation exposure.
• Compiled data from human biomonitoring studies indicating environmental presence.
• Highlighted the need for methods to assess concurrent exposures to neonicotinoid mixtures.

Conclusions:

• Existing data on neonicotinoid exposure pathways in humans is limited.
• The review provides a foundation for understanding human exposure routes.
• The proposed relative potency factor approach can aid in assessing complex exposures and human health risks.