EU Parliament, member states reach deal on toxic pesticide ban

A deal on two pieces of EU legislation banning a number of highly toxic chemicals within pesticides and reducing pesticide use has been reached between MEPs and representatives of European Union member states.

Under the first, according to the agreement, a total of 22 substances that cause cancer, endanger reproduction or our genes are to be prohibited, as well as those that negatively affect our nervous, immune or hormonal systems.

Nevertheless, if plants are in serious danger, any of these substances may yet be approved for a period of five years.

Additionally, those products that contain hazardous substances must be replaced within five years if safer alternatives exist.

Under a second piece of legislation, EU countries must adopt national action plans with specific targets on how to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides and to encourage alternative ways of controlling pests.

For particularly dangerous substances, MEPs had hoped to see language in the bill requiring their use to be cut in half. However, they dropped this demand in the course of negotiations in order to win a compromise with the member states.