Probabilistic health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation for pesticide residues in date fruits of Iran

Research on pollution identification and safety thresholds based on the olfactory effect on a halogenated hydrocarbon contaminated site

To effectively address odor control issues at sites contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons, it is essential to establish an odor risk prediction system for evaluating potential risks that may impact future planning. This research focuses on a representative halogenated hydrocarbon-contaminated site, examining the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of key pollutants in soil gas. By analyzing odor contribution rates, the study identifies significant odorants in soil gas, which enables the derivation of both probabilistic and deterministic safety thresholds for soil and groundwater based on olfactory effects. The findings indicate that 1,1-dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, chloroform, and 1,1-dichloroethane are prevalent throughout the contaminated site, displaying elevated concentration levels and substantially influencing the overall contamination extent. These substances are highlighted as critical pollutants requiring attention. Correlation analysis (P < 0.05) reveals a strong relationship between the concentrations of vinyl chloride, 1,1-dichloroethane, and chloroform with groundwater depth and air temperature. Additionally, the analysis of odor activity values (OAV) identified 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, chloroform, and vinyl chloride as key olfactory factors at the site. The corresponding probabilistic safety thresholds are 0.68, 1.65, 0.50, 7.87, and 3.72 mg kg-1 for soil, and 9.29, 3.46, and 1.09, 69.55, and 47.01 mg L-1 for groundwater, respectively. Among them, the odor risks of chlorobenzene and 1,1-dichloroethylene warrant more attention than soil contamination risks; regarding 1,4-dichlorobenzene, it is recommended to concurrently consider odor risks during human health risk assessment; as for vinyl chloride and chloroform, their odor risks can be largely eliminated based on human health-oriented pollution management.

Determination and health risk assessment of carbamate pesticide residues in date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) using QuEChERS method and UHPLC-MS/MS

This study aimed to investigate carbamate pesticide residues in different varieties of date palm fruits in the UAE, utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS. For sample preparation and clean-up, the efficiency and performance of different QuEChERS dispersive solid-phase extraction kits were compared. Precision and recovery were assessed at 10 μg kg-1 for the three kits, revealing that Kit 2 demonstrated the best performance. The selected QuEChERS method was validated to detect 14 carbamate residues in 55 date samples. The method exhibited strong linearity with R2 > 0.999 and low LOD (0.01-0.005 μg kg-1) and LOQ (0.003-0.04 μg kg-1). Excellent accuracy (recovery: 88-106%) and precision (RSD: 1-11%) were observed, with negligible matrix effect (- 4.98-13.26%). All samples contained at least one carbamate residue. While most detected residues were below their MRLs, carbosulfan was found in 21 samples, propoxur in 2 samples, and carbofuran in 1 sample above their MRLs. The hazard index (HI) was calculated for carbosulfan, phenmedipham, carbaryl, propoxur, carbofuran, and methomyl to assess potential health risks for date consumers. All HI values were below the safety limit of 1.0, indicating that the consumption of dates does not pose a non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children.

An integrated approach to assess human health risk of neonicotinoid insecticides in surface water of the Yangtze River Basin, China

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that have raised considerable concerns for both environmental and human health. However, there lack of comprehensive evaluation of their accumulation in surface water ecosystems and exposure to various human groups. Additionally, there's a distinct lack of scientific evidence describing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic impacts of neonicotinoids from surface water. Using an integrated approach employing the Relative Potency Factor (RPF), Hazard Index (HI), and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), the study assessed neonicotinoid exposure and risk to four demographic groups via dermal contact and mistaken oral intake pathways in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), China. Neonicotinoid concentrations range from 0.1 to 408.12 ng/L, indicating potential risk (10-3 to 10-1) across the studied demographic groups. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for dermal contact was within a moderate range of 2.00 × 10-3 to 1.67 × 10-2, while the mistaken oral intake was also within a moderate range of 3.07 × 10-3 to 7.05 × 10-3. The Hazard Index (HI) for dermal exposure ranged from 1.49 × 10-2 to 0.125, while for mistaken oral intake, it varied between 2.69 × 10-2 and 0.14. The findings highlight the importance of implementing specific interventions to address neonicotinoid exposure, especially among demographic groups that are more susceptible. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted strategies to address neonicotinoid risks to vulnerable populations within the YRB while contributing to insights for effective policies to mitigate neonicotinoid exposure in surface water ecosystems globally.

Pesticide residues in fresh Mazafati date fruit, soil, and water, and assessment of potential health risks to consumers

A quantitative method based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique (QuEChERS) sample extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was evolved for the determination of 47 pesticide residues in fresh Mazafati date fruits from Bam City of Kerman Province, Iran. The recoveries for selected pesticides ranged from 88 to 110% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 20% at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg-1. The proposed method had a linear range from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 1.00 mg kg-1, and the LOQ of the 47 pesticides was ≤ 0.005 mg kg-1. The coefficients of determination (R2) were more than 0.99. This technique was used on 12 fresh date fruits samples, three water samples, and three soil samples with three replications per sample. Forty-seven pesticide were detected collectively, but only diazinon was detected in the date fruit samples. The mean value of diazinon residues was 0.037 mg kg-1, and the concentration of diazinon in most samples was below the national maximum residue limit (MRL) for date fruit (0.05 mg kg-1). Among the pesticides measured, diazinon residues were also detected in the water samples, but not in the soil samples. The dietary intake assessment showed no health risk to humans from the consumption of fresh date fruit concerning the pesticides investigated.

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Refined and Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oils Distributed in Ahvaz, Iran: a Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vegetable oils using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was measured. Probabilistic non-carcinogenic risk in consumers was estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The highest content of PTEs was found in blend oil for As (0.39 ± 0.07 mg/L), in cold-pressed rapeseed oil for Cd and Cu (0.07 ± 0 and 0.40 ± 0.06 mg/L) respectively, in cold-pressed sunflower oil for Fe (0.15 ± 0.10 mg/L), in refined sesame oil for Ni and Pb (0.44 ± 0.07 and 0.65 ± 0.07 mg/L, respectively), and in cold-pressed sunflower and rapeseed oils for Zn (0.19 ± 0.04 mg/L). THQ in adults and children due to individual vegetable oils (cold-pressed and refined vegetable oil) was lower than 1 value. TTHQ in adults and children due to consumption of cold-pressed vegetable oils was 0.05 and 0.26, and also refined vegetable oil was 0.51 and 0.33, respectively. TTHQ due to consumption of both types of oils was less than 1; therefore, the population is not at risk of non-carcinogenicity.

Simultaneous Screening of 322 Residual Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables Using GC-MS/MS and Deterministic Health Risk Assessments

The development of efficient methods for evaluating pesticide residues is essential in order to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products since the Republic of Korea implemented the Positive List System (PLS). The objective of this research was to establish a method for the simultaneous analysis of 322 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables (such as coffee, potato, corn, and chili pepper), using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) approach in combination with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This study introduces a robust, high-throughput GC-MS/MS method for screening the target pesticide residues in agricultural products, achieving the PLS criterion of 0.01 mg/kg LOQ. Despite some compounds not aligning with the CODEX recovery guideline, sufficient reproducibility was confirmed, attesting to the method's applicability in qualitative analyses. A health risk assessment conducted using estimated daily intake/acceptable daily intake ratios indicated low risks associated with product consumption (<0.035391%), thereby confirming their safety. This efficient method holds significant implications for the safe distribution of agricultural products, including during import inspections.

Stability classification probability model of loess deposits based on MCS-Cloud

The stability classification of loess deposits around tunnels is a vital prerequisite for safe construction in underground environment. Due to the fuzziness and randomness of loess physical and mechanical parameters, the stability prediction of loess deposits shows uncertainty. Existing loess deposit stability classification models rarely consider the uncertainty of influencing factors. A novel classification probability model of loess deposits is proposed for the above problems based on Monte Carlo simulation and multi-dimensional normal cloud (MCS-Cloud). Specifically, five loess parameters, including water content, cohesion, internal friction angle, elastic modulus, and Poisson ratio, were selected as predictors for the stability level of loess deposits. The weights of the predictors were obtained through 50 test samples. After acquiring the numerical characteristics of the normal cloud, the stability level can be comprehensively evaluated with the weighted multi-dimensional normal cloud model. The classification model was applied to the loess tunnel in Yan'an, China. The prediction results are in good agreement with practical engineering, denoting the rationality of the weighted multi-dimensional normal cloud. Finally, the stability classification of loess deposits was discussed from the perspective of uncertainty analysis with the application of MCS. Results proved that the MCS-Cloud model is feasible for classifying the stability of loess deposits surrounding tunnels. The obtained classification probability can be used for quantitative risk assessment of loess tunnels.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by pesticide residues in fresh pistachio in Iran based on Monte Carlo simulation

This research is aimed at the analysis of 87 pesticides in 30 fresh pistachio samples prepared from stores in Iran by QuEChERS-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed at least one pesticide was in 67% of fresh pistachio samples. Kresoxim methyl residue was detected in 20 samples with average of 0.11 mg kg^-1; this average is 2.2 times more than maximum residue limit (MRL). Buprofezin was recognized in five samples with average of 0.17 mg kg^-1 was observed with 3.4 times more than MRL; hexaconazole and permethrin were recognized in three samples lower than MRL with an average residue of 0.030 and 0.028 mg kg^-1, respectively. In addition, potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessments were evaluated using probabilistic methods performed with the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm. The order of pesticide ranking based on hazard quotient (HQ) was hexaconazole > buprofezin > permethrin > kresoxim methyl. Total HQ (HI) was 2.0E-4 and for children, 9.0E-4. Hence, it means fresh pistachio consuming maybe not have significant short-term health risks for consumer. Ranking based on cancer risk (CR) was hexaconazole > kresoxim methyl > metalaxyl > permethrin > buprofezin. However, total CR due to pesticide residues was not higher than 1E-6 value (1.09E-9); therefore, consumers were not at significant risk of carcinogenicity in this product.

A comprehensive systematic review and health risk assessment of potentially toxic element intakes via fish consumption in Iran

Risk assessment of heavy metals is critical in controlling and preventing risks of foodborne diseases. Fish can be used as bioindicators for exposure to potential toxic elements (PTEs), which can represent potential risks for humans. The long Iranian coastline and three major fishery regions in the country, including the northern (Caspian Sea) and southern (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman) seas as well as inland waters and aquacultures (rivers, dams, wetlands and fish farms) have made Iran a large producer of fish. In the first step of the present study, data collection and report of PTEs in fish from the three fishery regions (2010-2022) were carried out. In the second step, health risks were assessed using Monte Carlo simulation in child and adult consumers. The average concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb for the northern sea, southern sea, and inland waters and aquacultures were 0.273, 0.249, 1.077; 0.430, 0.423, 1.182; and 1.387, 0.232, 1.703 μg/g per dry weight, respectively. Based on the target hazard quotient results, Hg intake of Iranian children from all the three fishery regions was more than 1, which was alarming. In the adult age group, southern sea fish consumers were at risk of Hg adverse health effects. Moreover, Cd included the highest carcinogenic risk of toxic elements in fish from the three fishery regions of Iran. Estimation of THQ, HI, ILCR and EDI revealed that consumption of fish might induce health complexities for the consumers in Iran. Moreover, Iranians from northern and southern regions of the country consumed further seafood due to the availability of high seafood sources in these regions. Hence, various indices must be used for the risk assessment of general human health. Due to the high risks of carcinogenicity/non-carcinogenicity estimated in the risk assessment, consumption of fish by infants and pregnant women must critically be assessed.

Health risk of consuming Sphoeroides spp. from the Navachiste Lagoon complex due to its trace metals and organochlorine pesticides content

The Navachiste complex (NAV) is impacted by neighbored human activities and is located in the southwestern coastal zone of the Gulf of California. The study determines the trace metal (TM) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) health risk content in the edible tissue of Sphoeroides spp. from NAV. The daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were calculated. Twenty OCP and seven TM were detected. Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were above MRLs. The γ‒Chlordane was the most frequent OCP. The highest average concentration was for α‒HCH, followed by γ‒chlordane. With the high ratios of γ‒HCH, p, p'‒ DDD and p, p'‒DDD, and the absence of p, p'‒ DDT, the higher ratios for dieldrin and endrin than for aldrin, α‒ chlordane, γ‒chlordane, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide indicates historical contamination. In contrast, the residual products of methoxychlor, endosulfan, and its isomers indicate endosulfan's recent use. The TM EDI, THQ > 1 (at 120 g day^-1), and the ILCR (> 1 × 10^-6) were above minimum levels, showing a high-risk potential for cancer development in the long term.

Building “First Expire, First Out” models to predict food losses at retail due to cold chain disruption in the last mile

Current less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping practices allow for temperature abuse (TA) in the last segment (last mile) of the food supply chain. When this TA is combined with “First In, First Out” product rotation methods, it could lead to food spoilage and food waste; therefore, data-based decision models are needed to aid retail managers. An experiment was designed using pallets (4 layers/pallet × 5 boxes/layer) of commercially produced boneless chicken breast filet trays. The pallets were exposed to 24 h of simulated LTL TA (cyclic 2 h at 4°C, then 2 h at 23 ± 2°C). Filet temperatures were recorded for all 20 boxes using dataloggers with thermocouple wires. Additionally, microbiological sampling of filets [aerobic plate counts (APC) and psychrotrophic plate counts (PSY)] was conducted before (0 h of LTL TA) and after (24 h of LTL TA) the TA experiment for select boxes of the pallet and compared to control filets (maintained at 4°C). After TA, a shelf-life experiment was conducted by storing filets from predetermined boxes at 4°C until spoilage (7 log CFU/ml). Temperature and microbiological data were augmented using Monte Carlo simulations (MC) to build decision making models using two methods; (1) the risk of each box on the pallet reaching the bacterial “danger zone” (&gt;4°C) was determined; and (2) the risk-of-loss (shelf-life &lt; 4 days; minimum shelf-life required to prevent food waste) was determined. Temperature results indicated that boxes on the top and bottom layers reached 4°C faster than boxes comprising the middle layers while the perimeter boxes of each layer reached 4°C faster than centrally located boxes. Shelf-life results indicate simulated LTL TA reduced shelf-life by 2.25 and 1.5 days for APC and PSY, respectively. The first MC method showed the average risk of boxes reaching 4°C after 24 h of simulated LTL TA were 94.96%, 43.20%, 27.20%, and 75.12% for layers 1–4, respectively. The second MC method indicated that exposure at &gt;4°C for 8 h results in a risk-of-loss of 43.8%. The findings indicate that LTL TA decreases shelf-life of chicken breast filets in a heterogenous manner according to location of boxes on the pallet. Therefore, predictive models are needed to make objective decisions so that a “First Expire, First Out” method can be implemented to reduce food wastes due to TA during the last mile.

Human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit samples in Gujarat State, India

The present study was initiated with the purpose to evaluate possible health risks associated with pesticide residues through consumption of vegetables and fruits by general population of Gujarat, India. A total of 1075 samples comprising of twelve different varieties of commonly consumed food commodities were collected from twenty-five divergent locations in Gujarat. The collected samples were extracted using QuEChERS method and analyzed for the presence of organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OCs) and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) pesticides using UHPLC-HR/MS, GC-μECD and GC-MS/SIM. The results indicated that 2.3% of vegetable and fruit samples showed the presence of pesticide residues exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs). The results suggested that, detected residue levels in samples were within safe limits and their consumption will not pose any significant health risk to human. The outcomes present significant information regarding the status of vegetable and fruit contamination and pointed out the prerequisite for further studies with reference to monitoring of pesticides and other toxic contaminants in different samples for assessing cumulative health risk.

Exposure Routes and Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Application

Pesticides play an important role in agricultural development. However, pesticide application can result in both acute and chronic human toxicities, and the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment and human health remain a serious problem. There is therefore a need to discuss the application methods for pesticides, the routes of pesticide exposure, and the health risks posed by pesticide application. The health problems related to pesticide application and exposure in developing countries are of particular concern. The purpose of this paper is to provide scientific information for policymakers in order to allow the development of proper pesticide application technics and methods to minimize pesticide exposure and the adverse health effects on both applicators and communities. Studies indicate that there are four main pesticide application methods, including hydraulic spraying, backpack spraying, basal trunk spraying, and aerial spraying. Pesticide application methods are mainly selected by considering the habits of target pests, the characteristics of target sites, and the properties of pesticides. Humans are directly exposed to pesticides in occupational, agricultural, and household activities and are indirectly exposed to pesticides via environmental media, including air, water, soil, and food. Human exposure to pesticides occurs mainly through dermal, oral, and respiratory routes. People who are directly and/or indirectly exposed to pesticides may contract acute toxicity effects and chronic diseases. Although no segment of the general population is completely protected against exposure to pesticides and their potentially serious health effects, a disproportionate burden is shouldered by people in developing countries. Both deterministic and probabilistic human health risk assessments have their advantages and disadvantages and both types of methods should be comprehensively implemented in research on exposure and human health risk assessment. Equipment for appropriate pesticide application is important for application efficiency to minimize the loss of spray solution as well as reduce pesticide residuals in the environment and adverse human health effects due to over-spraying and residues. Policymakers should implement various useful measures, such as integrated pest management (IPM) laws that prohibit the use of pesticides with high risks and the development of a national implementation plan (NIP) to reduce the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment and on human health.

An assessment of health risks posed by consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables among residents in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda

Background

Pesticide use for fruits and vegetable production in Uganda may result in presence of residues on produce which may pose health risks to consumers. Uganda does not have an established system for monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and assessing potential health risks. This research aimed to conduct a health risk assessment of presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda.

Method

Pesticides were measured in 160 fruits and vegetables samples collected at farms, markets, street vendors, restaurants and homes; and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fruit and vegetable consumption information was collected from 2177 people. Pesticide concentrations were compared with European Union maximum residual limits (MRLs). Mean values of pesticide concentration residues found in the sample of fruits and vegetables; and fruits and vegetables intake and body weight were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues. EDI values were compared with acceptable daily intakes (ADI) to calculate the hazard quotient by age group, and stage at which consumption happens along the chain.

Results

Overall, 57 pesticides were detected in fruits and vegetables from farm to fork. Of the 57, 39 pesticides were detected in all the fruits and vegetables studied. Concentrations of fonofos, fenitrothion and fenhexamid were above the European Union MRLs in some samples. Hazard quotients based on dietary ingestion scenarios for 18 pesticides, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), fenitrothion (62), dioxacarb (55) and benfuracarb (24) and others, were above 1, indicating the possibility of chronic health risk to consumers. Chronic health risk decreased with age but was stable for stage at which consumption happens along the food chain. The number of pesticides with EDI greater than the ADI decreased with increase in age; with 18, 13, 9, 11, 8, 9, and 9 pesticides for age groups < 5, 5-12, 13-19, 20-25, 36-49 and ≥ 50 respectively.

Conclusion

Chronic dietary pesticide exposures to Ugandans are likely common, and for some pesticides result in exposure exceeding health-based benchmarks. Risks were highest for younger participants. There is an urgent need to increase monitoring and regulation of pesticides in fruits and vegetables in order to protect consumers, especially the children who are vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40550-022-00090-9.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by pesticide residues in commercially available ready-to-eat raisins of Iran based on Monte Carlo Simulation

Pesticide residues in fruits lead to serious public health and environmental problems. This study was undertaken to analyze 57 pesticides residues in 60 commercially available ready-to-eat packed raisins samples from Iran's markets using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) approach along with acetonitrile for the extraction, surface adsorbents for clean-up procedure, following with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Moreover, the probabilistic health risk assessment includes non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk were estimated by hazard quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and cancer risk (CR) using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. The respective numbers attributed to LOD and LOQ were 0.001-0.03 mg kg^-1 and 0.005-0.05 mg kg^-1. Results showed that 23% of samples were contaminated by at least one pesticide according to national MRLs. The rank order of pesticides based on HQ was carbendazim > acetamiprid > thiodicarb > iprodione for raisins with percentile 95% benchmark. The HI amount in the adult's age group was 0.001, and in the children's age group was obtained to be 0.006. According to the risk assessment results (HQ and HI < 1 in both age groups), it can be acknowledged that consumption of raisins may not pose remarkable health hazards in short term exposures. The rank order of pesticides based on CR was thiodicarb > iprodion. But total CR (TCR) was lower than 1E-6 value (7.6E-8), so consumers were not at considerable carcinogenic risk in this commodity. Acetamiprid and carbendazim does not pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is unnecessary.

Pesticide residues in green-house cucumber, cantaloupe, and melon samples from Iran: A risk assessment by Monte Carlo Simulation

This research aims to analyze 56 pesticide residues in 100 green-house cucumber and 150 cantaloupe and melon samples collected from markets in Iran by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method based on analysis with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). In addition, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic probabilistic health risk assessments were evaluated by Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) based on the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. According to Iranian regulation, 18% of cucumber and 22% of cantaloupe and melon samples were contaminated by at least one pesticide. Arrange pesticides based on HQ ranking was diazinon > thiacloprid > imidacloprid tebuconazole for cucumbers and chlorpyrifos > thiacloprid > imidacloprid > metalaxyl for cantaloupes and melons. In addition, HI for adults was 0.067 in cucumber and 0.24 in cantaloupe and melon; and for children, 0.30 in cucumber and 0.60 in cantaloupe and melon. Arrange pesticides based on CR ranking was thiacloprid > imidacloprid > metalaxyl > chlorpyrifos > tebuconazole > diazinon. However, CR was more than 1.0E-6 value due to thiacloprid, so consumers were at considerable carcinogenic risk in these commodities.

Meeting nutritional adequacy in the Brazilian population increases pesticide intake without exceeding chronic safe levels

Achieving nutritional adequacy requires an increase in fresh foods consumption, which may increase pesticide intakes. This study aimed to identify required dietary modifications to achieve nutritional adequacy without exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for pesticides. Data from the National Dietary Survey 2017-2018 were linked to the pesticide database from the Program on Pesticide Residue Analysis in Food. We performed linear programming models to design nutritionally adequate diets constrained by food preferences for different constraints on pesticide intake at the least cost increment. Nutritional adequacy led to an increase in pesticide intakes without exceeding their ADI. Modifications in diets varied according to the model, but, in general, consisted in an increase in fruits and vegetables, dairy, and seafood, and a reduction in rice, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages quantities. In conclusion, meeting nutritional adequacy increases pesticide intake compared to the observed diets, without representing a health concern to consumers.