Pesticide Risk Tool Release Notes

December 2019

Overview of Changes

The Pesticide Risk Tool databases have been updated to reflect more current information.

California Pesticide Use update.

Improved features for international users.



Database Updates

Three database tables that provide data inputs for the consumer cancer and dietary risk indices have been updated with the most up-to-date information available. Updated database tables include:

  • Consumer Consumption: This database table contains the amount of crop (food) consumed by average consumers in a particular age range. The amount of a given food consumed by a human can change over time and affects the consumer cancer index risk results.
  • US EPA Pesticide Residue Tolerances: This database table contains the amount of pesticide residue on a crop that the US EPA considers to be acceptable. US EPA reviews and revises pesticide residue tolerances annually. These data points affect the consumer cancer risk index results.
  • Dietary Risk Data: Dietary risk data: Dietary risk calculations are based on the results of the USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP), which tests food crops sold in the US for pesticide residues annually. The dietary risk index database in PRT has been updated based on the most recent residue testing results available, which are through 2017. Residue testing results are used to calculate the dietary risk index by crop and pesticide.

California Pesticide Use

New spray record upload format compatible with California Pesticide Use Report format.


Improved features for International Users

  • Searchable database: Searchable database of verified non-EPA-registered products, gleaned from PRT user defined product information.
  • New Upload Format: New spray record upload format to use for non-EPA-registered products.