Overview of data and methodologies and data gap identification in exposure assessment for PPPs in residential settings

Since a harmonized approach for the risk assessment of non-professional/home garden plant protection products (PPPs) has not yet been agreed, substantial differences exist between EU Member States (MS). The multidisciplinarity and the specificity of the topic, in one hand related to PPPs but also to biocide products (BPs), has been addressed by a consortium with the appropriate expertise in the related fields. In this context, the present project characterized exposure scenarios and determinants for non-professional use of PPPs and gathered all relevant available methodologies and approaches to address non-dietary exposure assessment. Data and methodologies were evaluated for their adequacy and data gaps were identified to assess the exposure in indoor and greenhouse locations. To address identified data gaps and to characterize the generic use (outdoor and indoor) of non-professional PPP, surveys targeted to non-professional users were conducted in Italy and the Netherlands. Additionally, a survey among competent authorities was conducted to provide an overview on the rules, methodologies, basic default values adopted by EU Member States in the authorization process. Overall, the results of this project provided valuable information to address risk assessment of non-professional use of PPPs, identified data gaps for exposure assessment that require further work and areas that require harmonization.