What is the impact of pesticides used in agriculture on the surrounding populations? In a “citizen survey”, published Thursday, November 25, Générations Futures looked at homes located less than 100 meters from treated crops. Result: 90% of them show traces of chemical substances.
The environmental protection association studied 58 houses – especially in Gironde, Bas-Rhin and the North – located near fields where herbicides and fungicides are sprayed. Samples were taken from the windows. After analysis, Future Generations affirms that nearly 80% of these samples taken show traces of pesticide.
On houses located within 21 meters of crops, 95% of the samples are positive. It is from 101 meters that the number of samples containing pesticides drops to 50%. The distance therefore seems to have an effect on the decrease in exposure to these chemicals, according to the study of the association. In conclusion, it therefore recommends a minimum distance of 100 meters from homes for spraying pesticides.
The Council of State ordered the executive to review its measures to protect residents with respect to these products by the end of the year. The exemptions allowed locally to reduce the minimum distance necessary, vis-à-vis dwellings, to apply pesticides are not in accordance with the Constitution. Since December 2019, the minimum distances to be respected between the areas for spreading plant protection products and homes are five meters for low crops (vegetables, cereals) and ten meters for tall crops (fruit trees, vines).
Since October, and until August 2022, Santé Publique France and ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) have been carrying out a study, called PestiRiv, aimed at better know the exposure to pesticides of people living near vineyards. This study is being carried out in six wine regions. Samples are taken from the ambient air, the indoor air of houses, as well as dust, urine, hair and food produced by inhabitants close to crops. The full report of the study results is expected in 2024.