Posted
Update
Article written by
/2021/12/14/61b8b98e077d1_france-2.png)
The toxicity of chlordecone had been known since the early 1970s. But by successive derogations, this pesticide was nevertheless used in the banana plantations of the Antilles until 1993. He has caused an increase in prostate cancer in recent decades, in Guadeloupe as in Martinique.
Chlordecone is an invisible poison, present for more than half a century in the soils of the banana plantations of the Antilles. This carcinogenic pesticide was used until 1993 to control parasites, despite recognized health risks. Almost 30 years later, the first victims of chlordecone will be compensated.
Since Monday, December 20, the state officially recognizes prostate cancer, from which many farm workers who have handled chlordecone suffer, as an occupational disease. It’s a first victory for master Harry Durimel, the victims’ lawyer. “This is a step forward because it must be admitted, all previous governments have kicked in touch“, he declares. To be compensated, claimants will have to prove 10 years of exposure to chlordecone, and prostate cancer diagnosed less than 40 years after the last exposure.