‘So safe you could drink it’: Scientists and pesticide victims fear an EU rollback

AI Summary

French farmers, patients, doctors, and scientists warn that a proposed EU package could end routine safety reviews for most pesticides. People affected by pesticide exposure fear the change could keep harmful products on the market longer, amid reports of cancers and other illnesses linked to exposure.

For decades, French farmers sprayed pesticides they were told were harmless. Many have since fallen ill, grappling with cancers and other diseases caused by exposure. As the EU prepares to vote on a package that would end regular safety reviews of most pesticides, victims, doctors and scientists warn it could keep harmful products on the market for longer.