the government publishes an order prohibiting the spreading of certain pesticides within 10 meters of homes

The government published a decree on Tuesday March 21 which prohibits the spreading of certain pesticides within ten meters of dwellings. The executive complies with a decision of the Council of State dating from the end of December 2022. The new safety distances concern pesticides suspected of being carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic. Until now, they were not affected by the safety distances imposed three years ago by the government around the houses. These are phytosanitary products “containing a substance suspected of being carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction” called CMR2. For so-called CMR1 products, whose harmfulness is proven, use is prohibited within a wider perimeter, of 20 meters around dwellings.

>> Pesticides: the government proposes a minimum distance of 5 to 10 meters between treated fields and homes

It was the Council of State which had considered that it was necessary to take into account safety distances in the precautionary measures. He had been seized by several associations who now believe that this decision is important but insufficient. For years now, the government and NGOs have clashed over the subject of spraying distances. We remember the controversies around the 100 meters imposed by certain mayors. The system that was set up in 2019 with a derogation system concerned the most toxic substances.

A year and a half ago, the Council of State had already pointed out the shortcomings. He had already asked for minimum distances for pesticides whose toxicity was only suspected. With delay, the government is complying. This is a step forward for the NGOs who have been forcing the hand of the public authorities from the start in this dossier.