A French community has attributed an increase in child cancer cases to pesticide exposure and is urging both national and EU authorities to strengthen pesticide regulations.
Valérie Gauriat reports for Euronews.
In short:
- In Charente-Maritime, France, parents of children affected by cancer believe pesticide exposure is a primary cause, calling for stricter controls.
- A recent toxicology report on local children found multiple pesticide residues, including banned substances, in hair and urine samples.
- Activists argue that EU pesticide regulations need stricter enforcement to protect health and encourage alternative farming practices.
Key quote:
“The further along we go, the more cases of paediatric cancer there will be. Our son is in remission, but we’ll always live with a sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.”
— Franck Rinchet-Girollet, co-chair of Avenir Santé Environnement
Why this matters:
Despite the EU's strong reputation for pesticide regulation, pesticide residues persist in European food, soil air, with potentially harmful health effects. Without rigorous enforcement, communities may continue facing severe health risks, pushing for a shift to sustainable, pesticide-free agriculture.
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