SPRINT’s field campaigns across 10 European countries and Argentina in 2021 each encompassing conventional, IPM and organic farming systems. This included environmental sampling (soil, earthworms, sediment, water, fish, dust, air, crops) and human biomonitoring (HBM) from farmers, neighbours, and consumers. SPRINT partners analysed 209 active substances, including 32 with dual-use applications (pesticide, biocide, or veterinary), across a total of 4573 samples. A range of laboratory tests followed to assess the toxicological impacts of pesticide mixtures, including in vitro tests on human cells and in vivo tests on non-target species such as earthworms, insects, bees, and aquatic organisms. These tests focused on mixture toxicity, offering a more comprehensive view than single chemical assessments. The ecotoxicological studies provided insights into the chronic effects of PPP mixtures on terrestrial and aquatic species, while in vitro studies explored potential impacts on human health.
In Reporting Period 3 (RP3), SPRINT invested further in the development of the Global Health Risk Assessment Toolbox, designed to evaluate the impacts of PPPs on ecosystem, plant, animal, and human health (EPAH). The project continued its data analysis, exposure modelling, and risk assessments, focusing on PPP impacts across various farming systems and identifying pathways toward more sustainable practices. Exposure modelling during RP3 incorporated field data to estimate PPP levels in environmental compartments and human populations. The SPRINT team used physiology-based biokinetic (PBK) models, supported by human volunteer studies, to evaluate PPP absorption, metabolism, and elimination in humans and animals. These models identified exposure routes—dietary, inhalation, and dermal—allowing for cumulative impact assessments critical to understanding broader ecological and health risks. SPRINT also made progress in developing its interactive tools, integrating data from field sampling, lab testing, and PBK models to visualize PPP exposure and distribution. These tools aim to inform policy and farming decisions, with ongoing refinements to ensure usability for diverse stakeholders. Workshops and stakeholder meetings across the case study sites helped gather input on transitioning to sustainable pest management and exploring necessary policy changes to reduce pesticide use. The project’s findings were shared through many channels of communication including scientific publications, conference presentations, and public media, reaching policymakers and the general public. (Preliminary) results were presented at the UN Science Summits at UNGA78 and UNGA79, highlighting SPRINT’s relevance on a global stage.
