Probabilistic cumulative risk assessment of anti-androgenic pesticides in food

A cumulative risk assessment of three anti-androgenic pesticides vinclozolin, procymidone and prochloraz in combination has been carried out using an Integrated Probabilistic Risk Assessment (IPRA) model. In the model, variability in both exposure and sensitivity between individuals were combined into a distribution of Individual Margins of Exposure (IMoE).

Additionally, uncertainties related to input parameters were evaluated. The cumulative risk assessment was performed using the Relative Potency Factor (RPF) approach. RPFs for each substance were estimated for three reproductive endpoints in male foetuses as observed following in utero exposure in rats (ano-genital distance, and weight of the seminal vesicles and the levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscles).

The estimations of the cumulative dietary intake were based on consumption data (1997–1998) and residue data (2002–2003) from the Netherlands. Inter- and intraspecies extrapolation factors were included in the assessment and IMoEs of 1 or less indicate a possible concern. The assessment did not result in IMoEs equal to or less than 1.

The endpoint ‘weight of the seminal vesicles’ resulted in the lowest IMoEs (0.1th percentile: 198; 90% CI: 23.5–423) and the fraction of individuals with an IMoE of less than 1000 was 1.43% (90%CI: 0.33–4.85). For the two other endpoints, the fractions were slightly lower. This implies that cumulative exposure of Dutch women to vinclozolin, procymidone and prochloraz in combination is not likely to be of concern for the reproductive development of male foetuses following prenatal exposure.

However, other anti-androgenic substances should be included in the cumulative assessment to make it more comprehensive.