Rapid Environmental Assessment of Pesticide-Contaminated Sites - An Expert System For Effective Preliminary Risk Assessment With Limited Resources

摘要

Misuse and spillage of pesticides related to poor storage and handling practices has resulted in pesticide-contaminated sites in countries throughout the world. Many of these sites present significant public health risks, particularly where persistent pesticides were released in or close to populated areas. Many sites are in low- and moderate-income countries, where resources for investigation and remediation of sites are often limited, and access to technical expertise is inadequate. There is a need to perform effective preliminary risk assessment of sites at a low cost in such countries to allow decision-makers to prioritize resources for sites representing the most significant public health risk. Pure Earth, under contract from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), developed an expert system that facilitates risk assessment of small- to medium-sized pesticide contaminated sites using limited resources. This Rapid Environmental Investigation (REA) system uses investigation methods that can be easily taught to investigators with limited experience in the field, but who are scientifically literate. The system incorporates available GIS data and other information about sites into a common database to enable efficient investigations. Trained investigators then perform investigations, typically in 2 days or less in the field and employ only a few analytical samples. The system is computer-based such that it can be loaded on laptop computers, and includes quality control protocols. The products of the system are 1) a database of information about sites including risk-relevant factors, and 2) semi-quantitative risk scores based on algorithms developed by experts in risk assessment, assuring consistency of risk assessments. Scores are developed for risks related to sources (amount and hazard of pesticides released); pathways (migration to populated areas and exposure routes); and receptors (number (and age) of people potentially exposed and severity of exposure.) The REA system was first developed for Vietnam then modified and expanded in 2014 and 2015 for use in former Soviet Union countries as part of a larger FAO pesticide initiative. Experience there demonstrated the effectiveness of the program and its potential for use elsewhere in the world. In 2016 the system was introduced in Cameroon. The system has been favorably received by government agencies in numerous countries, and the results of the REA investigations have enabled effective prioritization of pesticide-contaminated sites for further detailed investigation and risk management plan development.