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France 24
a day ago
- Politics
- France 24
Can a French citizen's petition reverse the reintroduction of a banned pesticide?
The French National Assembly on July 8 adopted the divisive "Duplomb law", named after the conservative lawmaker Laurent Duplomb who proposed it. The draft law was presented in parliament as a bid to "reduce constraints" on French farmers, who have repeatedly expressed frustration over bureaucratic constraints on the agricultural sector, unfair foreign competition, and stringent regulations. But some farmers, environmentalists and medical experts have criticised many of the law's proposals – particularly one provision that proposes to reintroduce the insecticide acetamiprid, a chemical known to be toxic to pollinators such as bees and to ecosystems – which was banned in France in 2018. The contentious provisions spurred 23-year-old masters student Eleonore Pattery to launch a petition against the law on July 10, which brought the bill to the public's attention. The petition's author, who describes herself as "a future environmental health professional", called the new law a "scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration". "It represents a frontal attack on public health, biodiversity, the coherence of climate policies, food security, and common sense," she said. At the time of writing, the petition had collected more than 1.5 million signatures – higher than any other petition published on France's official National Assembly site so far. The reintroduction of acetamiprid – an insecticide that belongs to a class of synthetic chemicals similar to nicotine called neonicotinoids, often shortened to "neonics" – is the most divisive provision of the law. Neonics were developed in the 1980s to target the central nervous system of insects and disrupt nerve function. These insecticides are extremely effective against a wide range of pests like aphids and grubs, and have been used globally since the 1990s. In France, they are widely used by beetroot and hazelnut growers. However, they come with a list of caveats that harm biodiversity and human health, according to experts. Unlike contact pesticides that coat the surface of a plant, neonics are absorbed by the plant and distributed through its leaves, flowers, pollen, and nectar. While this makes them very effective against pests, they also cause impaired navigation, reduced learning, weakened colony health and death among bees. Various beekeeping organisations have urged citizens to fight against the law for this very reason and have branded the chemical "a bee killer". Scientists also say that neonicotinoids tend to remain inside the soil and hurt non-target species i.e., insects and animals that don't hurt crop yield but play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. However, the invertebrates aren't the only ones at risk. A growing body of research shows that neonicotinoids impact human nervous systems too. Hundreds of doctors and researchers have signed an open letter published by French healthcare organisation Médecins du Monde that says the law fails to address the collapse of biodiversity and the impact on farmers' health. The letter specifically mentions three chemicals: acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor. 'The primary consequence of these dysfunctions is an increased risk for farmers of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), myeloma, prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders, to take just a few examples, while the precautionary principle (and the European regulation) requires that no marketing authorisation be issued in the event of a risk to human health or biodiversity,' it says. The letter has been backed by The French League Against Cancer and the European Federation of Neurological Associations. 01:34 Environmentalists are also concerned by some of the other provisions of the law. The law claims it will promote the expansion of industrial agriculture by easing permits for large livestock facilities and water reservoirs. Critics say this move will harm smaller family-run operations and is likely to increase greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. The Duplomb law will also implement several long-standing demands from France's largest farm union FNSEA, which has historically supported pesticide use. "We need to maintain our means of production, and I believe there's a lot of exaggeration in the comments being made," the head of FNSEA, Arnaud Rousseau, told franceinfo radio. Growers also argue that acetamiprid, allowed in other EU countries, is vital to fight yellows disease, which cut yields by 30% in 2020 and slashed sugar output. Can a citizen's petition change the law? The number of signatures on Pattery's petition continue to climb, and increasing pressure on the government to revisit the law. The French government has defended the bill, but has been obliged to acknowledge the outcry, amid the rapidly rising number of signatures. In France, petitions with over half a million signatures can prompt a parliamentary debate, but do not require a new vote. National Assembly chairwoman Yael Braun Privet said the government "had to listen to the people. We will hold a debate but this debate will not – it cannot – change the text that was just voted." Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has also said he would back a debate. Benjamin Morel, a constitutional expert and lecturer at the University of Paris-Panthéon-Assas agrees, saying that while the petition might lead to a debate, it will not ultimately lead to any change in the text of the law itself: "For the Duplomb law not to be enforced, a new bill would have to be introduced, or the president of the Republic would have to get involved." " Emmanuel Macron could request a new deliberation by Parliament, in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution," Morel adds. But he believes that the result of the vote would be identical. For now, France's left – the four parties formerly allied under the banner of the New Popular Front – have promised to continue to battle to repeal the Duplomb law. "The fight has only just begun," warned Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau on franceinfo radio on Monday.
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Urgent warning issued over popular US lake during July 4 celebrations
A toxic algae bloom, containing harmful cyanotoxins, has been detected in Lake Powell's Antelope Canyon, disrupting Fourth of July weekend recreation. The detected cyanotoxin levels are at the high end of safe exposure, posing risks such as liver and kidney failure, inflammation, and potentially death for humans and animals. Although Lake Powell remains open for recreation, park officials advise visitors to avoid swimming in affected water and not to boat on scummy areas to prevent inhaling airborne toxins. These harmful algal blooms are becoming more frequent and prolonged due to climate change, hotter temperatures, and nutrient run-off into water bodies. Exposure to cyanotoxins can occur through accidental ingestion or inhalation during recreational activities, with microcystin being a potent liver toxin and possible human carcinogen.
Medscape
18-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Heat, Poor Air Quality Ups Heart Attack Risk
Simultaneous exposure to ozone pollution and high temperatures significantly increases the risk for acute myocardial infarction (MI) among adults in the US, according to a recent study published in Circulation . The findings highlight the dangers of joint environmental stressors even at moderate levels and the importance of timely patient counseling. Using nationwide private insurance claims data from 2016 to 2020, researchers from Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, and collaborators identified 270,123 cases of acute MI in people aged 18-64 years. They found joint exposure to ground-level ozone (60 ppb) and high temperatures — roughly 90-95 °F — increased the risk for an MI by 33% compared to cooler, low-ozone days. Even under moderate conditions, such as an ozone count of 50 ppb and typical temperatures around 70 °F, the risk increased by 15%. 'The lag 0f effect means clinicians need to pay close attention to high-pollution and hot days in real time,' said Lingzhi Chu, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health and colead author of the study 'Clinicians should emphasize to younger patients that moderate levels still pose risks' to cardiovascular health. Mary Johnson, PhD, a principal research scientist of environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, said the findings bring much-needed attention to a younger demographic. 'This study is important because it focuses on a younger age group that is often overlooked in cardiovascular research,' said Johnson, who was not involved in the study. 'Typically, you don't think about heart attacks happening in people in the young adult category.' Johnson also noted the value of examining heat and ozone together. 'We've seen studies showing impacts from temperature and from ozone individually,' she said, 'but looking at them together, and especially looking at differences between men and women, is important.' Different Risks by Sex According to the study, women showed increased vulnerability on days with both high ozone and temperatures around 90-95 degrees, while men experienced heightened risk even when only one factor was elevated. The difference in exposure-response patterns by sex was statistically significant ( P = .016). Chu said clinicians should tailor counseling based on patient demographics. 'The sex difference that males are vulnerable to mild exposures is critical,' Chu said. 'Young men need targeted proactive counselling.' While the researchers did not assess comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes, Chu acknowledged these conditions could affect risk. 'The potential pathophysiology suggests hypertension, diabetes, or obesity may compound risks, but further research is warranted,' Chu said. Johnson said these findings should challenge assumptions in primary care because these clinicians often are the first to encounter patients of the age group studied. 'Just because you're young and healthy does not necessarily rule out the risk of a cardiac event,' she said. 'Especially if there's a combination of poor air quality and elevated temperature.' Communicating Practical Prevention Acute MI is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with approximately 800,000 cases annually in the US. Adults younger than 55 years, and particularly women, account for a growing share of acute MIs. Chu recommended several practical prevention strategies clinicians can share with patients: Adjusting the timing of outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and using cooling methods such as fans or air conditioning. She also acknowledged the challenge clinicians face in educating patients without overwhelming them. 'Clinicians may consider framing mitigation as simple behavior changes rather than drastic life changes to prevent patient overwhelm,' she said. 'Some of these simple changes — like checking air quality apps, closing windows on high-ozone days, or staying hydrated — support overall health, not just cardiovascular health.' Johnson agreed. 'While we can't individually control wildfires or ozone formation, everyone can be aware of ozone levels and temperature before going outside or doing anything physically strenuous,' she said. Health Equity Concern The study relied on data from individuals with private insurance, a limitation both Chu and Johnson acknowledged. 'That population has access to care,' Johnson said. 'But what about the uninsured or underinsured? They may be more at risk because they often live in areas with worse air quality and lack resources to adapt, like access to cooling systems or healthcare.' She added that events like sudden cardiac death may be underreported in uninsured populations. 'They don't go to the emergency room. They die before they get there,' Johnson said. 'So the real risk may actually be higher than what this study captured.' Johnson said the findings also highlight a critical shift in how clinicians should view environmental risk. 'It's accurate to say we can no longer think about air pollution and environmental risks as being linked only to chronic conditions,' said Johnson. 'There are acute consequences, too, and this study illustrates that clearly.' A study published last month in the journal Epidemiology found prolonged exposure to the particulate matter in wildfire smoke was associated with small increases in the risk for several cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. As climate change drives more frequent heat waves and worsens air quality, both Chu and Johnson said clinicians are on the front lines of patient education and prevention. 'Clinicians are key players in translating environmental health research into actionable prevention,' Chu said. 'This study reinforces the need to think beyond traditional risk factors.' Chu and Johnson reported no relevant financial conflicts of interest.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Thousands of abandoned oil wells could pose danger to Ontario landowners, including Brant County
A public meeting in Brant County raised concerns on tens-of-thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across Ontario Wednesday. CTV's Alexandra Holyk reports. A public meeting in Brant County raised concerns on tens-of-thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across Ontario Wednesday. The province and Brant County confirmed there are around 27,000 wells left behind, with a potential for more being undocumented. A majority of these wells are on private land and in homeowners backyards. These wells were abandoned without following modern safety protocols. Rebecca Comley, the acting medical officer of health for Grand Erie Public Health told CTV News this can cause concern for health and safety. 'Legacy wells can be a source of potentially dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulfide,' said Comley. 'Leaking hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere, into the air, especially in contained spaces can cause a very dangerous health risk.' Comley said these gases can smell like rotten eggs. 'Our noses can detect it at a very low level; less than one part per million,' said Comley. 'It's important to remember though the smell doesn't correlate with the concentration in the air… we can often lose the sense of smell at higher concentrations.' The wells also pose a threat to contaminating groundwater, possibly affecting the health of plants, animals and people. The province said it's spending nearly $20 million to tackle challenges related to these wells. They said so far they have spent around $33 million to plug 440 wells across Ontario. What should landowners look out for? Brant County officials have asked residents to take a deeper look at their properties. 'Ignoring [oil and gas wells] and having something tragic happen is not the way to go. It's putting themselves, their neighbours or their families at risk,' said Kent Pottruff, the community of emergency management coordinator for Brant County. 'So, the [Ministry of Natural Resources] stated they want to work with [landowners], there's resources available to assist them.' At Wednesday's meeting, the ministry said oil and gas wells on private property that meet criteria may be eligible to be partially or fully covered financially. Deputy Chief Brant Cain with the Brant County Fire Department said identifying an oil and gas well is simple. 'If it smells funny, it probably is funny. If it looks funny, it probably is funny,' said Cain. 'If you're seeing liquids or funny smells coming from something you've struck while excavating on your property, that's a good sign to call 911.' Officials said the best way for a landowner to see if their property is impacted by a documented legacy oil and gas well is to use a well map.
Japan Times
01-06-2025
- General
- Japan Times
Ceremony marks 60 years since Niigata Minamata disease recognition
A ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the official recognition of Niigata Minamata disease, a neurological disorder caused by polluted industrial wastewater containing methylmercury, took place in the city of Niigata. At the ceremony, held on Saturday, about 300 people observed a moment of silence for the victims. The participants included patients, bereaved families, Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao and representatives from chemical maker Showa Denko, currently Resonac Holdings, the operator of the plant that was the source of the pollution. It was the first time in 10 years for an environment minister to attend the ceremony. "Niigata Minamata disease is not over yet," Eiichi Minagawa, 81, the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by uncertified patients against the government and the plant operator company, said in an address. Noting that the plaintiffs are aging, Minagawa said, "We sincerely hope that (the lawsuit) will be settled while we are still alive and are able to walk." Chieko Furuyama, 60, the only person in the prefecture certified as suffering from fetal Minamata disease, said in writing: "You made me like this and what are you going to do about it? Please help me to live my life from now on." Environment minister Asao said, "We will share our experiences and lessons from Minamata disease with the world and work toward the realization of a society without environmental pollution and health damage by mercury." Before and after the ceremony, representatives from groups of Niigata Minamata disease victims held talks with Asao and demanded a revision of the patient certification criteria. Niigata Minamata disease was officially recognized on May 31, 1965, about nine years after the recognition of a similar disease in Kumamoto Prefecture known as Minamata disease. According to the Niigata Prefectural Government, as of the end of April, 2,767 applications had been filed for certification as sufferers of the disease. Of the applicants, 717 were officially recognized as sufferers and 57 were waiting for screening results. Unrecognized patients have filed lawsuits against the government and the plant operator company since 1967. Currently, the fifth lawsuit of this kind, filed in 2013, is ongoing in Niigata District Court and Tokyo High Court.
