Pesticide Inhalation Exposure of Applicators and Bystanders Using Conventional and Innovative Cropping Systems in the Valencian Region, Spain

Esther Fuentes,Esther Borrás,Clara Coscollà,María Ibáñez,Héctor Calvete-Sogo,Antonio López,Teresa Vera,Vicent Yusà,Amalia Muñoz

doi:10.3390/atmos12050631

Abstract

This paper provides scientific results from a European LIFE project carried out in the Valencian region of Spain during the 2017 to 2018 time frame. In 2018, more than 60,000 tons of pesticides were commercialized in Spain, with approximately 15% destined for Valencian crops. In order to improve the air quality in the agricultural areas of this region, an innovative cropping system based on irrigation was developed and compared to conventional treatments based on hand-spray and turbo application. After applying conventional treatments to five types of crops (citrus, persimmon, nectarine, watermelon, and other stone fruits), a total of 13 active substances were detected in the air. The same active substances were applied to crops using the novel irrigation system, and no pesticide was detected in the air. Moreover, applicator and bystander populations in the region were assessed for their risk of inhalation exposure to pesticides, and no risk was found when either of the techniques, the innovative and the conventional agricultural one, were applied.

Highlights

During the 2011 to 2018 time frame, approximately 360,000 tons of pesticides were sold in the European Union (EU) each year, and this value is expected to remain stable, according to data provided by Eurostat (2018) [1]
After conventional agricultural treatments applied in the Valencian region during the 2017 and 2018 agricultural seasons, a total of seven insecticides, five fungicides, and one herbicide were detected in the air
For alternative applications based on drip irrigation systems, no active substances were found in the air

Summary

Introduction

During the 2011 to 2018 time frame, approximately 360,000 tons of pesticides were sold in the European Union (EU) each year, and this value is expected to remain stable, according to data provided by Eurostat (2018) [1]. In this respect, Spain is the secondbiggest consumer of pesticides in the EU. It is widely known that intense agricultural activity is practiced in most Spanish territories, the Valencian region having more than two million hectares (has) dedicated to crops. In this region, the most common crop, covering 170,000 has from the total cultivated surface, followed by non-citrus trees (extending over 154,000 has), and grain cereal crops, which are grown over 47,000 has [2]

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