The use of atmospheric dispersion models in risk assessment decision support systems for pesticides

In the evaluation of potentially adverse effects of organic chemicals such as pesticides on the environment the atmosphere may play an important role. After its release to the atmosphere the chemical will be transported/dispe rsed in the atmosphere and finally it will be removed either by atmospheric -chemical destruction or by deposition to the underlying soil or surface wa ter. In a risk assessment decision support system both ambient concentratio ns and deposition fluxes must be known to evaluate the risk of direct expos ure (inhalation) or the risk of soil and water contamination caused by depo sition. This paper discusses the use of atmospheric dispersion models in su ch risk assessment decision support systems.