Proposed European legislation on endocrine disruptors is likely to restrict the use of some sprays. \ Philip Doyle
ADVERTISEMENT
The European Commission will have to draft a new text, which is already four years overdue, as opinions diverge across the EU on the potential restrictions to impose on those chemicals.
The Commission had proposed a set of scientific criteria to determine which chemicals should be classified as endocrine disruptors, leading to their use being restricted or banned. The proposal excluded those pesticides specifically designed to act on the hormones of parasites.
An objection arguing that proposing this exemption exceeds the Commission’s remits won on a majority of 389 votes to 235 (with 70 abstentions) in a plenary vote this Wednesday, the European Parliament announced in a statement.
ADVERTISEMENT
“There is evidence of adverse reproductive effects [infertility, cancers, malformations] which could also affect thyroid function, brain function, obesity, metabolism, insulin and glucose homeostasis,” the statement added about endocrine disruptors, quoting a World Health Organisation report.
Depending on the criteria eventually applied, the European Crop Protection Association of pesticide manufacturers has drawn up a list of up to 78 active ingredients that could potentially be restricted.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The European Commission will have to draft a new text, which is already four years overdue, as opinions diverge across the EU on the potential restrictions to impose on those chemicals.
The Commission had proposed a set of scientific criteria to determine which chemicals should be classified as endocrine disruptors, leading to their use being restricted or banned. The proposal excluded those pesticides specifically designed to act on the hormones of parasites.
An objection arguing that proposing this exemption exceeds the Commission’s remits won on a majority of 389 votes to 235 (with 70 abstentions) in a plenary vote this Wednesday, the European Parliament announced in a statement.
“There is evidence of adverse reproductive effects [infertility, cancers, malformations] which could also affect thyroid function, brain function, obesity, metabolism, insulin and glucose homeostasis,” the statement added about endocrine disruptors, quoting a World Health Organisation report.
Depending on the criteria eventually applied, the European Crop Protection Association of pesticide manufacturers has drawn up a list of up to 78 active ingredients that could potentially be restricted.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS