Improving research methodology and assessment concerning inhalation and dermal influence of chemical plant protection agents. Part I

Abstract

RESUME. A comparative analysis of domestic and international research methodology and assessment in relation to the impact of plant protection products (PPP) on agricultural workers and the population shows that the existing methodological approaches in Ukraine need improvement. This concerns the principles of organization, definition of the research purpose and objectives, conducting measurements, ensuring the reliability of the results and substantiating the impact assessment criteria. The areas of improvement should correspond to the domestic theoretical foundations of hygienic regulation and modern approaches to the study and assessment of PPP in the EU. Aim. To substantiate the approaches to creating a methodology for studying and assessing the impact of PPP on operators, workers, outsiders and residents, harmonized with international requirements. Materials and Methods. A scientific analysis of legal acts regulating the field of registration of PPP, regulatory and methodical documents in force in Ukraine and the EU, regulating the organization of research, measurement, assessment and management of the impact of PPP on agricultural workers and the population during and after the use of these means was carried out. The directions for improving the methodology are outlined and research tasks are formulated to create a system of definitions, rules, principles and operations that meet the common goals and tasks of studying, assessing and managing the risk of exposure to hazardous substances on operators, workers, outsiders and residents in Ukraine and the EU. Results. The proposed methodology defines: the purpose and tasks of the research; the concept of influence; evaluation criterion – the maximum permissible level of exposure by inhalation and dermal route (mg active substance (AS)/kg body weight/day) and values derived from it – the controlled concentration in the air of the breathing zone and the working area (mg AS/m3), the controlled concentration in air of populated places (mg AS/m3); people who are subject to protection for a certain duration of exposure; task, object and subject of research; requirements for analytical methods of monitoring safety limits for inhalation and dermal exposure; peculiarities of planning field studies for the purpose of PPP registration and supervision after registration. Conclusions. The use of the proposed system of definitions, rules, principles and criteria can ensure compliance of studies with international requirements for the study and assessment of the PPP impact on operators, workers, outsiders and residents. The directions for further improvement of the research methodology and assessment of PPP inhalation and dermal effects are outlined. Key Words: plant protection products, research methodology, inhalation and dermal exposure, assessment criterion, control of safety limits.