A new searchable map of pesticide use around France has been published by an environmental group, with departments in the north and west of the country revealed to be particularly affected.
The map draws on the sales data from 2015 to 2022 for a range of pesticides (products are named) deemed potentially harmful - or possibly cancerogenic - for human health at certain levels.
The data used in the map does not suggest that there is an imminent health risk in these areas.
“As long as the volume of spray used is not made public, the data on pesticide purchases is the best available indication of where these substances are actually used,” says Générations Futures, which published the map in December.
The searchable tool, available here, indicates pesticide purchases by department over the period for pollutants considered to be:
Carcinogens
Mutagens, Reprotoxins (CMR)
Endocrine disruptors,
Water pollutants,
PFAS pesticides
The pesticide purchases are given by chemical compound in tonnes or relative to the total area taken up by arable land and permanent crops (Utilised Agricultural Area).
Unsurprisingly, the tool identifies that pesticide purchases correspond with high levels of agricultural activity, meaning that areas with cereal crops or grape vines, also have high pesticide use
While Gironde appears to stand out, the worst offenders for dangerous pollutants overall are Eure-et-Loir, Marne and SommeGénérations Futures
Caption: While Gironde appears to stand out, the worst offenders for dangerous pollutants overall are Eure-et-Loir, Marne and Somme.
Générations Futures plans to update the map in January with data down to a commune-by-commune level.
It also wants to include more pollutants, including neurotoxins, chemicals toxic to pollinators, persistent substances and PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) substances.
