INTEGRAL HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF SIDE-EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES IN THE NETHERLANDS - A PROPOSAL

Current pesticide registration procedures are discussed and three majo r shortcomings identified with regard to the quantification and evalua tion of potential pesticide side effects on nature and the environment : (a) the absence of a framework for assessing the acceptability of da mage; (b) the disregard for indirect side effects; and (c) the absence of field studies. With reference to the situation in The Netherlands, recommendations for overcoming these three shortcomings are presented . For priority species it is proposed that a population decline of mor e than 5% is unacceptable in target areas having ''general environment al quality.'' Populations should have recovered after one year. Outsid e the target area and in areas having ''special environmental quality' ' there should be no decline at all in population densities. An integr al decision tree is presented with which to incorporate assessment of indirect side effects in the registration procedure, achieving a bette r balance relative to direct side effects. Spectrum of action, scale o f use, overlap of habitats, and compound efficacy are employed as crit eria for assessing in direct side effects. The decision tree prescribe s field trials in cases where lab testing indicates a moderate hazard or uncertainty. Finally, guidelines are presented for selecting approp riate pesticide field trials.