Overview of a Proposed Ecological Risk Assessment Process for Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and Non‐Apis Bees

International audience; This chapter proposes a method for estimating risk to honey bees (Apis mellifera) and non-Apis bees from pesticides that are applied through sprays (acting on contact) and through seed or soil treatments and tree trunk injections (acting systemically). It describes the risk assessment process for honey bees and non-Apis bees. Problem formulation articulates the intent of the risk assessment and is predicated on particular protection goals for which the regulatory authority is responsible. The chapter illustrates the proposed risk assessment process identified by the participants of the 2011 SETAC Workshop on Pesticide Risk Assessment for Pollinators. The potential risk to adult honey bees from spray applications is assessed through calculation of an HQ. The screening-level and refined risk assessment processes for soil or seed treatment-applied pesticides incorporate different degrees of ecological realism. Screening-level assessments are typically based on conservative assumptions regarding both exposure and effects.