cancers linked to the pesticide recognized as an occupational disease

A dangerous and poisonous pesticide that has claimed victims. 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 as an occupational disease, from which many farm workers who have handled chlordecone suffer. This is a first victory for Me Harry Durimel, the victims’ lawyer. “This is a step forward because we have to admit it, all previous governments have kicked in touch”, he says. 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.