A study found that pesticides from agricultural spraying can contaminate people living far from farms, raising concerns about health risks and regulatory oversight.

A new study has uncovered alarming levels of pesticide exposure among individuals living far from agricultural fields, challenging the assumption that only those in close proximity to farms are at risk. Conducted across ten European countries, the research involved 641 participants who wore silicone wristbands for a week to capture external pesticide exposure. The results showed that every wristband contained pesticides, with an average of 20 different substances detected per person. Notably, even individuals who adhere to organic diets were found to have multiple pesticide residues. The study raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current regulatory practices, which primarily focus on dietary intake rather than airborne or dermal exposure. Experts warn that the presence of banned pesticides and the potential for chemical mixtures to amplify health risks necessitate a reevaluation of pesticide use and safety standards.