Health and Environment Alliance

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Pesticides

Recent scientific evidence points to the harmful effects of pesticides on people’s health, especially that of children and other vulnerable groups. Relatively low doses of hazardous pesticides can seriously affect human health, have long-term effects and may be a factor in the occurrence of various diseases including cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, Parkinson’s and respiratory problems. Substantial legislative measures are therefore needed to protect human health and to address the special vulnerability of children, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women and to prevent their exposure to hazardous pesticides.

The European institutions are currently reviewing the EU pesticides policy. The so-called "pesticides policy package" includes a Thematic Strategy and a Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, and a Regulation on the placing of pesticides on the market. The European Parliament has already discussed and amended the Commission proposal in first reading (see related article), and the dossier is now in the hands of the Council of Ministers.

The Health and Environment Alliance advocates for a maximum level of health protection against the adverse effects of pesticides use and exposure, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups. We call for a ban of pesticide use in and around areas where children spend most of their time (eg public parks, playgrounds, schools etc), and for a ban of pesticides that are known or suspected to be carcinogenic, and toxic to the reproductive, immune and neurological systems.