Pesticides Research Nr. 110 2007 – Health effects of predatory beneficial mites and wasps in greenhouses – 11 Suggestions for regulation, preventive measures, and further research

Health effects of predatory beneficial mites and wasps in greenhouses

11 Suggestions for regulation, preventive measures, and further research

11.1 Suggestions for further research

As both well documented cases of allergic rhinitis caused by Amblyseius cucumeris and Phytoseiulus persimilis and clear signs of sensitization in a broader group are shown, some regulation of the use of beneficial animals should be introduced. The data for regulation is limited and detailed guidelines will require more data, especially about the exposure levels during the different work processes.

Guidance for the application of the mites may be the first priority, especially to limit the airborne antigen level or protect the persons working in the area when the products are applied.

Regulation on the predatory wasp Aphidius colemani will have a lower priority based on the very limited data.

11.1 Suggestions for further research

The beneficial animals have some potential health effects and in order to document the benefit of regulatory measures more information of the exposure to the relevant allergens in different work processes is needed.

A better characterization of the relevant allergens of the different mites and testing on the blood of sensitized persons will give a more precise description of the relevant exposure and give the possibility for better analytical methods for the beneficial mites. Besides, good methods for counting viable animals in the greenhouses will give a better description of the possible exposure to allergens from the beneficials species, also during the plants life at the consumers.

An investigation of the relation between exposure and symptoms in closer follow-up studies will reveal a possible dose-response relation. The importance of the other, naturally occurring mites and insects will be of importance as well as characterization of persons in risk of developing symptoms or diseases.