Development of a spatial risk indicator for monitoring residential pesticide exposure in agricultural areas

Abstract

The global increase in pesticide use has raised concerns about its impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health, in particular of people living near agricultural areas. This study explores the assessment of pesticide exposure and risks to residents at a high spatial granularity using plant protection product data. Our objective was to develop an indicator to monitor pesticide risk levels faced by residents in France by integrating spatial datasets and exposure assessment methodologies. Using spatialized pesticide sales data based on crop authorizations, we mapped potential pesticide loads at the parcel level. This map, combined with population distribution data, allowed us to develop an indicator for monitoring residential pesticide exposures. Our findings indicate that, on average, 13% of people in France may be exposed to various levels of pesticides due to their proximity to treated crops. This indicator demonstrates the usefulness of granular pesticide sales data in monitoring exposure and can support risk reduction strategies, helping to identify regions where efforts towards sustainable farming should concentrate.