several manufacturers, including Bayer and Syngenta, have not provided the EU with studies on the toxicity of their products

Several major pesticide manufacturers, including Bayer and Syngenta, have not provided European health authorities with studies on the toxicity of their products to the brain, Swedish researchers reported on Thursday (June 1st). The companies concerned claim for their part that they have complied with their regulatory obligations. This attitude seems to be a “recurring phenomenon” and calls into question the seriousness of the EU’s assessment of the health risks associated with pesticides, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Health.

The authors, Swedish researchers Axel Mie and Christina Ruden, looked at studies conducted by pesticide producers to assess their risks to brain development. These tests, carried out by exposing pregnant mice and then studying their young, are part of the data given to health authorities for them to decide whether or not to approve them.

“We looked to see if the studies submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were also communicated to the authorities of the European Union (EU)”, explains the study. However, out of 35 studies carried out from 1993 to 2015, nine were submitted to the United States, but not to the EU. Each concerned a different pesticide and some highlighted developmental problems in the animals tested, such as late puberty.

Asked by AFP, Bayer and Syngenta did not deny that certain studies had not been submitted to the EU, but assured that this choice did not breach their obligations in terms of information to be given to the authorities.