Ecological risk assessment framework and how the existing paradigm accommodates novel approaches

Ecological risk assessment combines information from toxicity tests and exposure information to evaluate the likelihood that ecological effects may occur as a result of exposure to a stressor (pesticide). The risk assessment framework is composed of problem formulation, analysis of exposure and effects, and risk characterization. This paradigm is flexible and able to accommodate novel pesticide approaches that may lack a history of safe exposure or prior use. However, novel pesticide approaches will require critical thought in the problem formulation step of ecological risk assessment. Additionally, greater attention to limitations and assumptions in study design may be necessary to accurately translate toxicity test results to realistic agronomic ecosystem exposures in order to determine risk.