Dermal transfer of pesticide residues to human skin due to contact with treated crops, treated surfaces, or contaminated surfaces is an important route of exposure for operators, workers and possibly for bystanders and residents. However, information on dermal transfer data is limited and mainly available for workers. The aim of the present study has been to generate both dermal exposure and transfer data related for operators involved in sequential tasks of mixing/loading and application of pesticides in a southern EU zone greenhouse. Exposure measurements were based on the principles of the whole-body dosimetry (WBD) method involving the use of cotton coveralls and gloves as dosimeters. Six field trials were conducted in three tomato greenhouses, on the island of Crete, Greece. The study results showed that the contribution of existing pesticide deposits on the treated crops, i.e., from an application conducted earlier the same day, was in the range of 8–16% for the application task and 0.9–18% for the mixing/loading task in relation to the measured total exposure to this pesticide during a short-term sequential application. The results of this study have been incorporated in the GAOEM (Greenhouse Agricultural Operator Exposure Model) included in the updated EFSA Guidance on the assessment of exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders in risk assessment of plant protection products. The low values of the pesticide amount penetrating the coverall (actual dermal exposure) in all cases highlight and confirm the need for the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for operator safety.

Pesticides still have a pivotal place in food production by protecting and increasing the yields of crops. Generally, farmers consider pesticides as essential tools to ensure plant protection and hence secure adequate income. Conversely, from the consumers’ perspective, they are one of the most worrying elements regarding food quality. In the EU, the legislation for authorization of pesticides safeguards an acceptable potential risk for consumers, farmers, and the environment when the products are used according to the label instructions. Furthermore, protection of food quality, human health, and environmental safety has been a major goal of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, as well as a driver for enforcing the European Green Deal in agriculture toward the reduction of pesticide use. Taking for granted that the EU legislative framework regarding consumer safety is strict and concrete, the emerging challenge is how to reduce non-dietary and environmental exposure (especially for non-target organisms) to pesticides through sustainable plant protection methods during cultivation and the safe use of pesticides for the farmer/operator, the consumer, and the environment. All these key elements are discussed thoroughly through the prism of the EU legislation. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->

Pyrethroid usage has risen due to restrictions on other insecticides, prompting interest in biomonitoring data as exposure indicators