I Dress Myself

pesticide poisoning in the UK

We consider the effects of pesticide use in the developing world, which cause 20,000 deaths per year. That's why we only source fabrics that haven't had pesticides used on the crop. I've never really considered the effect of pesticides on people in the UK. In fact, quite the opposite, I always think of people living in the country as getting lots of fresh air. Think again.

Environmental campaigner Georgina Downs has won numerous awards for her work compiling evidence about the effects of pesticide use on nearby residents. Georgina represents the UK Pesticide Campaign and has taken their case to the High Court. In November 2008 the High Court Judgment was very clear that the Government has been acting unlawfully in its policy and approach in relation to the use of pesticides in crop spraying, and that public health, in particular rural residents exposed to pesticides from living nearby regularly sprayed fields, is not being protected from acute or chronic long term adverse health effects.

Despite statements made by DEFRA at the time the Judgment was issued saying that "The protection of human health is paramount" and even though the High Court Judge said that he does not think that in all the circumstances an appeal has a real prospect of success, DEFRA revealed last month that it does intend to appeal against the Judgment. So what is most important? Protecting the agricultural industry or protecting the health of its citizens?

Georgina got involved after she suffered from the effects of long-term pesticide poisoning herself. After years of crop spraying on fields adjacent to her house she suffered from flu-like symptoms, headaches, mouth blisters and muscle wastage, which required hospitalisation.

The photo is of Georgina at the High Court.

Posted in Ethics and Environment by Hannah on Wednesday 28 January 2009