France’s top health agency has raised serious concerns about the impact of pesticides on young children. The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses) reviewed new research showing strong links between pesticide exposure and serious health problems.
The review used updated data from a 2013 report by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), revised in 2021. It looked at pesticides used in farming, homes, and veterinary care.
Experts matched known health effects with data on the toxicity and legal status of each pesticide. The agency identified four major “health signals” based on the findings.
One of the biggest concerns is the effect of pyrethroids, a type of pesticide, on brain development when babies are exposed during pregnancy. A 2022 study from China showed clear problems, especially when exposure levels were high.
The second health alert focuses on organophosphates. These insecticides are linked to motor, sensory, and cognitive problems in children exposed before birth.
Two other alerts point to adult risks. One shows a link between pesticide exposure at work and adult cognitive disorders. The other connects it to increased risk of leukemia.
The agency also flagged a lower-level concern about sperm damage found in the general population, which could come from many sources of pesticide exposure.
Despite these dangers, many of the pesticides under review are still in regular use across France. Deltamethrin, a widely used pyrethroid, may raise the risk of leukemia for people exposed at work, the agency warned.
Common products like plug-in repellents, insect sprays, and pet collars may expose families to these chemicals. A 2021 study found that children had higher levels of pyrethroid exposure than adults.
Anses urged more research to find out exactly how people are being exposed. It also called for stronger public health steps to reduce the risks.
The agency has shared its findings with European regulators, who are reviewing whether some of these chemicals should remain legal in the EU.
Anses recommends that people limit their use of insecticide products, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. It also wants doctors and the public to be better informed about the dangers.
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