A review of the acceptable daily intakes of pesticides assessed by WHO

Abstract

Over the past three decades, WHO has evaluated and reevaluated, through the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues, 230 pesticides. The acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) of these pesticides are analyzed along with their scientific bases. In most cases, the evaluation process was consistent with the stated general principles and procedures of JMPR. However, the safety factors used in allocating the ADIs of several pesticides seem to be inconsistent with the severity of the toxicity, and thus, may require further consideration. These chemicals are abamectin, dinocap, procymidone, chlormequat, ethion, glyphosate, fentin hydroxide, and fentin compounds. In addition, pesticides that were evaluated many years ago, e.g., bromomethane, might merit a reevaluation in light of any relevant recent data.