The February 2009 issue of Environmental Health Practitioners makes a direct appeal to those working to protect work and home environments in the UK by reducing pesticide use.

Written by Genon K Jensen, HEAL’s Executive Director, Hazard control describes how hazardous chemicals are known to contribute to a range of health problems, and the proposals that HEAL has for "pesticides-free" public spaces.

The proposals are being promoted in the UK by the "Sick of Pesticides" campaign.

The article reports on the two new EU laws on pesticides sale and sustainable use to reduce the negative effects of pesticides on human health and the environment.

The UK government and other member states will have to collaborate with stakeholders to develop national action plans (NAPs) to reduce the use of pesticides. It is here that local and regional authorities and environmental health practitioners (EHPs) can help achieve the highest levels of health protection, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.

Several London boroughs are involved in reducing the use of pesticides, and some London parks already operate pesticides-free regimes. This growing trend reflects recognition of the inherent risk to humans, pets, other animals and flora and the inessential nature of herbicide used to control and eradicate weeds and pests.

Achievements in reducing the cosmetic use of pesticides in other countries are also described.