US EPA recently posted several new web pages with useful information on pesticide toxicity. The sites provide both chronic and acute oral Reference Doses (RfDs) as human health benchmarks, as well as acute and chronic aquatic life benchmarks for fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. These benchmark doses and concentrations provide reference values to compare with measured pesticide concentrations in water.
PRI uses these kinds of benchmarks to assist clients in evaluating potential risks to human health and the environment associated with pesticide exposure.
Aquatic Life Benchmarks: US EPA has developed aquatic life benchmarks (for freshwater species) for approximately 360 pesticides, based on toxicity values reviewed by EPA and used in the Agency’s most recent risk assessments developed as part of the decision-making process for pesticide registration.
Human Health Benchmarks: US EPA has developed human health benchmarks for approximately 350 pesticides to provide guidance for drinking water providers. These benchmarks help providers assess pesticide levels in drinking water and determine whether the concentrations found may indicate a potential health risk. Benchmarks in the form of oral Reference Doses (RfDs) for acute (one-day) and chronic (lifetime) exposures for the most sensitive populations are provided, with a focus on exposure to pesticides that may be found in surface or ground water sources of drinking water. Concentrations of pesticides in drinking water that have the potential for cancer risk are not currently included in the data set. However, EPA indicates its intention to include these concentrations later.
Great new website!!!