France Launches Study on Pesticide Risks for Florists Following Legal Case

The Anses investigation aims to assess health risks for flower industry workers and their children, potentially leading to regulatory changes.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) will evaluate the risks of pesticide exposure for florists, their children, and other workers in the flower industry.
The study follows the case of Laure Marivain, a former florist whose daughter's leukemia was linked to in utero pesticide exposure, though the family was denied legal compensation.
Anses plans to measure pesticide exposure through air, skin, and urine analyses, with a preliminary report expected by September 2025 and the full study taking two years.
Approximately 85% of flowers sold in France are imported, with concerns about the use of banned or excessive pesticides in non-European countries.
The findings could lead to stricter regulations, including potential bans on flowers treated with harmful pesticides, and recommendations for safer practices in the flower industry.