A probabilistic analysis reveals fundamental limitations with the environmental impact quotient and similar systems for rating pesticide risks.

ABSTRACT: Comparing risks among pesticides has substantial utility for decision makers. However, if rating schemes to compare risks are to be used, they must be conceptually and mathematically sound. We address limitations with pesticide risk rating schemes by examining in particular the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) using, for the first time, a probabilistic analytic technique. To demonstrate the consequences of mapping discrete risk ratings to probabilities, adjusted EIQs were calculated for a group of 20 insecticides in four chemical classes. Using Monte Carlo simulation, adjusted EIQs were determined under different hypothetical scenarios by incorporating probability ranges. The analysis revealed that pesticides that have different EIQs, and therefore different putative environmental effec

SUBMITTER: Peterson RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4006226 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature