Doctors call for limiting the use of pesticides in agriculture; about 20,000 people die from severe forms of poisoning in the world every year

The Association of Latvian Doctors (LAB) calls for limiting the use of pesticides in agriculture, the LETA agency was informed by the representatives of the LĀB.

LĀB has submitted a letter to the Environment, Climate and Energy Subcommittee of the National Economy, Agrarian, Environmental and Regional Policy Commission of the Saeima, which points out the impact of pesticides on human health in the long term, that is, not only for existing but also for future generations.

The representatives of the association note that farmers who plan to use pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides should inform the residents living near the agricultural lands in writing, as well as through the official information websites of the relevant municipality, at least one week before the planned use of the product. The information to be notified should include information about the day, time and which plant protection product is planned to be used. The use of pesticides in populated areas is not permissible, emphasizes LĀB.

The association has also sent a letter to the Social and Labor Affairs Commission of the Saeima, the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM).

In the letter, LĀB refers to the latest studies related to the use of pesticides in agriculture and their impact on human health. Pesticides have been detected in indoor dust in homes up to 250 meters from fields treated with pesticides, regardless of season. This exposes residents of homes at this distance to constant exposure to pesticides, which pose significant long-term health risks.

The representatives of the association also explain that around 380 million acute pesticide poisonings are registered in the world every year, but about 20,000 people die from severe forms of poisoning every year, almost half of whom are agricultural workers. Pesticides can cause damage to the respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, nervous, immune and other systems, according to the FDA. Likewise, if a pregnant woman is exposed to pesticides, they can pose serious health risks to the unborn child.

LĀB president Ilze Aizsilniece states that the use of intensive pesticides in agriculture and food production creates a risk of acquiring oncological, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and other diseases. She believes that restricting the use of pesticides is an essential prerequisite for preserving the health of Latvia’s population and ensuring the health of future generations.

The representatives of the association emphasize the need to inform and educate Latvian citizens about the impact of pesticides on the environment and their health.