Real Food News
2002
15 October
New pesticide cocktail report admits concerns
The report into the cocktail effect of mixtures of pesticides was published
by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products
and the Environment (COT). The report recommends that there must be
better monitoring of people's exposure and that mixtures of pesticides
are considered in the regulatory process.
Friends of the Earth criticized the report because:
- The Committee's conclusion that there is low risk to human health
is based on assumptions, not actual evidence. It is assumed that people
are exposed to low levels of pesticides but the Committee admitted
that it has no idea about levels of exposure. Not only does COT admit
that it is difficult to work out exposure from food residues, it also
reported that information about other routes of pesticide exposure
is "extremely poor or non-existent."
- The report accepts that there are many forms of pesticide exposure
- other than through eating food - but ignores these in its assessment
of risk. In fact there is the potential for high levels of cumulative
exposure. In addition to being found as residues in food, pesticides
are used in home and garden products, pet treatments, head louse treatments,
paints and carpets. Some people are exposed to pesticides at work,
while bystanders can be exposed to spray drift from farms. Local authorities
spray pesticides in parks and gardens.
- The Committee concludes that there is not likely to be any greater
risk to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children; however, it
admits that this conclusion is based on "limited information"
and "despite their possible greater sensitivity."
"This report uses bad science to play down risks to human health
in order to justify inaction," Friends of the Earth Pesticides
Campaigner Sandra Bell said. "The Committee admits that it does
not know the levels of pesticides that people are exposed to in their
homes, through their food and in their workplaces, yet its conclusions
are based on the assumption that exposure levels are low.
"The report raises serious concerns about mixtures of particular
pesticides but its recommendations could take decades to have any effect.
Ministers must see through the flaws in this report and take immediate
action to protect people's health," she added.
- Friends of the Earth also criticises the report for its weak recommendations.
Although the Committee raises concerns about the effects of mixtures
of particular groups of pesticides, such as organophosphates, it does
not recommend reducing exposure to them. Although better monitoring
is needed, testing of even the most common combination of pesticides
could take decades while people continue to be exposed to potentially
harmful mixtures of pesticides. More immediate action is needed.
Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Pesticides and Similar Substances is
available on the Food Standards Agency website www.foodstandards.gov.uk
in the science section.
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