Impact of proposed changes in IESTI equations for short-term dietary exposure to pesticides from Australian and Codex perspective.

In 2015 a scientific workshop was held in Geneva, where updating the four equations for estimating the short-term dietary exposure (International Estimated Short Term Intake, IESTI) to pesticides was suggested. The impact of these proposed changes on the exposure was studied by using residue data and large portion consumption data from Codex and Australia. For the Codex data, the exposure increased by a median factor of 2.

Effect of individual parameter changes on the outcome of the estimated short-term dietary exposure to pesticides.

In 2015 a scientific workshop was held in Geneva, where updating the International Estimate of Short-Term Intake (IESTI) equations was suggested. This paper studies the effects of the proposed changes in residue inputs, large portions, variability factors and unit weights on the overall short-term dietary exposure estimate. Depending on the IESTI case equation, a median increase in estimated overall exposure by a factor of 1.

Setting the stage for the review of the international estimate of short-term intake (IESTI) equation.

In the framework of setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, both chronic and acute health risks to consumers arising from the long-term and short-term dietary exposure to pesticide residues have to be assessed. The current internationally harmonized approach for assessing the acute dietary exposure is based on deterministic methods for calculating the IESTI (International Estimate of Short-Term Intake). Recently, it became apparent that the IESTI approach needs a revision in the light of new scientific and political aspects.

Mechanisms of competition: thermal inhibition of tree seedling growth by grass.

The relative importance of thermal interference and competition for below-ground resources in the inhibition of tree seedling growth by grass was determined under field conditions. Snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) seedlings were grown in bare soil or soil covered with either live grass or straw. Covering soil with straw produced thermal conditions in soil and air that were indistinguishable from those associated with live grass.