Nicosia: European institutions must ensure that the protection of human health and the environment from synthetic pesticides is fully safeguarded before endorsing any simplification of pesticide procedures (Omnibus). The European workshop on pesticides and their impact on human health and the environment in light of the recently proposed EU policy changes (Omnibus) was successfully completed. The workshop was organized by the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII) of the School of Health Sciences of the Cyprus University of Technology, together with the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the European Commission DG SANTE presented the proposal for the simplification procedure relating to pesticides (Omnibus) and its economic benefits for Europe, such as increasing the competitiveness of farmers and reducing bureaucracy with faster pesticide authorisation procedures. However, the European Pesticide Action Network (PAN) highlighted concerns about the Omnibus policy proposal, which appears to mainly satisfy previous industry demands. These include the elimination of the current legislation on the need for re-evaluation of a pesticide dossier and its toxicity based on new scientific results, and the doubling of the grace period allowed for banned pesticide products to remain on the market.
The workshop also addressed the presence of 'forever chemicals' PFAS used as pesticides, with their concentrations having increased in fruits and vegetables over the last decade. These chemicals, which break down into the persistent metabolite TFA, have been regularly found in various consumables and pose reproductive and developmental toxicity risks according to new studies. The European Commission and Member States were urged to ban all PFAS pesticides.
There was a consensus on the need to reduce pesticide exposure for vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Cyprus was noted for its high pesticide use per hectare of agricultural land and a high percentage of food samples containing pesticide residues. Recommendations were made to bolster the EU market for organic pesticides, which is currently under-promoted, and to implement better Integrated Production Management (IPM) systems for reducing pesticide use.
An exploratory study revealed pesticide presence in household dust in homes near agricultural land in Cyprus, with some pesticides already banned for agricultural use still being employed as biocides in household pets. The study underlined the need for greater awareness of indoor pesticide exposure.
The importance of an organic diet to reduce pesticide exposure was also highlighted, with a significant study in Cyprus showing reduced pesticide concentrations in children on an organic diet. Recommendations included creating a national pesticide use registry, educating farmers on alternative practices, and involving large retail chains in pesticide residue analyses.
Key points from the panel discussion emphasized the role of education, innovation, and collaboration in protecting health from pesticide exposure. It was agreed that regulatory frameworks need stronger implementation through better alignment with local conditions and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Combining scientific knowledge with policy commitment and community involvement was seen as crucial for achieving lasting reductions in pesticide exposure.