§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, when setting exposure standards for organophosphate pesticides, they take into account synergisms within and among these pesticides.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)Organophosphorus pesticides can be expected to have additive rather than synergistic toxicity. The conservative nature of both the operator and consumer risk assessments for an organophosphorus pesticide carried out as part of the approval process compensates for possible additive effects.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research has been, or is being, conducted into adverse health effects suffered by humans exposed to low levels of several organophosphate pesticides through diet, water and ambient air in addition to occupational exposure.
Earl HoweI am not aware of any research into this precise issue. However the possibility that cumulative exposure could carry a risk to health is taken into account when considering applications for pesticide approvals.