An association of doctors launches an appeal to denounce the “denial of scientific knowledge” regarding pesticides

If the pressures on the agricultural world are understandable, recognizes Doctors’ Alert on pesticides, exposed professionals are among the first victims, she points out, protesting against the pausing of the “Ecophyto” plan.

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A farmer sprays phytosanitary products in a field (photo illustration).  (XAVIER LEOTY / MAXPPP)

Government measures to respond to the agricultural crisis “worries us” and are “irresponsible”, denounced Thursday March 28 on franceinfo Doctor Pierre-Michel Périnaud, president of the association Alerte des médecins sur les pesticides. The association is launching a “call of indignation at the denial of scientific knowledge”which 780 caregivers had signed Thursday morning.

The doctor regrets the pausing of the “Ecophyto” plan which “acknowledged that society agreed that pesticides needed to be reduced”and the “satisfaction of the desires of the most productive agriculture”. He says he understands “the enormous pressures” suffered by the world of agriculture, while noting that “We [les médecins] We don’t have any tractors.” and that‘”it will also be necessary that [le gouvernement] opens up to what the world of health and research is saying.

Occupational pathologies, but also Parkinson’s or cancers in the population

“The first victims of pesticides are biodiversity and the professionals exposed”, says Pierre-Michel Périnaud. He recalls that Inserm and Inrae have signed two studies in 2022 and 2021. Inrae indicates that “all environments are contaminated and all levels of biological organization are impacted”. And Inserm notes “that there are 18 pathologies among professionals which are linked to their exposure to pesticides”, reminds the doctor. Also in the general population, “we are starting to have studies which show links with certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, certain cancers, certain leukemias in children”.

The association campaigns to distribute “an organic basket for all pregnant women throughout their pregnancy, accompanied by information on the toxicity of chemicals”, but also for organic in collective catering and for better protection of local residents exposed to pesticides. They also want to fight against the under-reporting of occupational agricultural diseases and obtain progress in terms of regulation, particularly of endocrine disruptors.


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