DISCLAIMER: The tools, as they currently stand, are provided for research and informational purposes only. The underlying models, assumptions, data sources, and methodologies are experimental and might have not yet been peer-reviewed or independently validated. Outputs may be incomplete, uncertain, or inaccurate and should be interpreted with caution. The tools do not provide regulatory, medical, legal, toxicological, or professional risk assessment advice. For the time being, it must not be used as a substitute for expert judgment, regulatory review, or established risk-assessment frameworks, nor relied upon for decision-making related to human health, environmental protection, occupational safety, product registration, compliance, or policy.
Use of these tools for unlawful, harmful, misleading, or unethical purposes—including but not limited to regulatory circumvention, misrepresentation of risk, or inappropriate application to real-world pesticide use decisions—is strictly prohibited. The tool is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

Concentrations in Air - Usage notes and limitations

Click here for Usage notes and limitations

a) How to use the map

The map shows modelled concentrations of selected pesticides in ambient air. These concentrations are calculated estimates, not direct measurements.

What you see on the map:

  • Each coloured grid cell represents an yearly average estimated air concentration for a defined spatial resolution (e.g. 1×1 km or 2.5×2.5 km, depending on the country, see general introduction).
  • Colours indicate relative concentration levels: darker or more intense colors correspond to higher estimated concentrations compared to other areas on the map.
  • The mapped values reflect typical conditions during pesticide application periods, based on modelling assumptions and available data.

What you can do:

  • Zoom and pan to examine regional or local-scale patterns, keeping the grid resolution in mind.
  • Use the mapped values as input estimates for:
    • Inhalation exposure assessments,
    • exploratory links with epidemiological or environmental health studies,
    • comparison of modelling approaches across countries.

The tool is particularly useful for identifying areas where concentrations may be relatively higher or lower and for understanding how meteorology, land use, and modelling assumptions influence airborne pesticide dispersion.

b) Important limitations and guidance for interpretation

This tool is intended for scientific and policy-support use. The maps should be interpreted with caution and are not suitable for drawing conclusions about individual locations or specific moments in time.

Modelled estimates, not direct measurements:

  • The concentrations shown on the map are calculated using models, not measured by air samplers.
  • Finding your village or neighbourhood on the map does not mean that this concentration was measured there, nor that it is always present in the air.
  • The values represent average estimates under specific modelling assumptions, not real-time or continuous exposure.

Spatial resolution matters:

  • Each grid cell summarises results over an area of 1 to 2.5 km², depending on the country.
  • Local features such as individual houses, schools, or roads cannot be distinguished.
  • Small-scale variation within a grid cell is not captured in this visualization.

Time interpretation:

  • The maps do not represent concentrations at a specific day or hour.
  • They reflect typical conditions during potential spraying periods, averaged over multiple models runs or wind directions.
  • They should not be interpreted as year-round or constant concentrations, but just as an average.

Simplified application scenarios:

  • Only downward spraying was included in the simulations and different modelling setups were used for each country, meaning: i) results are not strictly comparable between countries, and ii) observed differences may partly reflect methodological choices, not only real-world differences.

Use for screening, not for risk conclusions:

  • Higher estimated air concentrations do not automatically imply health risk.
  • The maps do not include toxicological thresholds or health-based reference values.
  • Results should be used as a screening or exploratory tool, ideally alongside measurements, toxicological data, and local knowledge.

In summary: This tool helps to explore where and under which conditions airborne pesticide concentrations may be higher, based on advanced modelling. It does not show measured concentrations, permanent exposure, or individual risk, and should not be used as a stand-alone basis for local health or regulatory decisions.