EU approves renewal of controversial reprotoxic pesticide

In a significant move, EU Member States have voted to renew the use of 8-hydroxyquinoline, a pesticide recognized for its reprotoxic effects, raising alarm among environmental and health advocacy groups. The renewal, granted for a period of seven years, was made possible through a controversial "negligible exposure" clause in the EU Pesticide Regulation. This decision allows the pesticide to be used in permanent greenhouses for drip irrigation, rather than imposing an outright ban.  

PAN Europe, a prominent environmental organization, has condemned this decision, arguing that it undermines the fundamental goals of the Pesticide Regulation, which aims to safeguard both public health and the environment.  

The approval took place during the recent Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) meeting on May 14-15. The "negligible exposure" clause allows the continued use of hazardous substances if it can be demonstrated that exposure to humans is effectively minimized. However, the criteria for such assessments have been criticized for being vague and inadequately defined.  

Since the implementation of the Pesticide Regulation in 2011, no hazardous substance has been approved under this clause, primarily due to a lack of clear guidance. According to PAN Europe, the recent renewal of 8-hydroxyquinoline marks a troubling precedent, as discussions regarding the guidance document for assessing negligible exposure are still ongoing among Member States and the European Commission. Critics argue that this decision could set a dangerous standard for future pesticide approvals.  

Concerns regarding the renewal of 8-hydroxyquinoline are substantial, as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pointed out significant flaws in the applicant's exposure study, which it deemed unreliable for drawing meaningful conclusions. Key issues include:  
• Insufficient data on exposure to bystanders and vulnerable groups, hindering a thorough non-dietary exposure assessment.  
• An unrealistic assumption of constant greenhouse temperatures at 20°C, overlooking actual highs of 40°C in southern Europe, which could elevate pesticide emissions.  
• Risks of operator exposure during application, particularly during technical incidents, which could exceed the negligible exposure threshold.  

Since being added to PAN Europe’s Toxic 12 list in 2022, calls for the ban of 8-hydroxyquinoline have intensified. PAN Europe, along with its member organizations, is now urging national governments to take proactive measures by banning products containing 8-hydroxyquinoline from their markets, despite the EU's approval, until at least June 30, 2032.    

 

Source:  

PAN Europe