Do co-formulants influence plant protection product genotoxicity?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Chemical Safety

Background:

• Plant protection products (PPPs) contain active substances (AS) and co-formulants.
• AS undergo genotoxicity assessment, but PPPs are only tested for acute and local toxicity.
• Co-formulants' potential genotoxicity and interactions with AS require investigation due to operator exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potentially genotoxic co-formulants using in silico analysis.
• To assess the genotoxic potential of specific PPPs containing metiram and pendimethalin.
• To evaluate the influence of co-formulants on the genotoxicity of AS in formulated products.

Main Methods:

• In silico analysis for co-formulants prioritization.
• In vitro micronucleus test in V79 cells.
• Assessment of PPPs containing metiram (fungicide) and pendimethalin (herbicide).

Main Results:

• Four prioritized co-formulants did not warrant further investigation based on existing data.
• No difference in genotoxicity was observed between metiram and its formulated PPP.
• A formulated PPP containing pendimethalin showed a 2-fold increase in micronuclei formation compared to pendimethalin alone.

Conclusions:

• Co-formulants, while not typically genotoxic alone, can modulate the genotoxic potential of AS in PPPs.
• The formulated pendimethalin PPP exhibited enhanced genotoxicity, suggesting co-formulant influence.
• Active substances with in vitro genotoxic potential should be tested in their formulated PPPs to assess real-world risks.