Environmental health news: Potentially dangerous pesticides used in UK schools, survey reveals

A new survey has revealed that pesticides which could potentially cause cancer are being used in UK schools.

Research released by the Health and Environment Alliance (Heal) and the Pesticides Action Network (Pan) found that seven pesticides used by schools around the country could have harmful health effects.

These include several chemicals which have been indentified as potentially carcinogenic, such as Dichlobenil, Oxadiazon and Sulfosulfuron.

According to the study, almost half (47 per cent) of local authorities want to make schools in their area pesticide-free.

Vicki Hird, a Heal campaigner, said: "The UK government must move quickly to eliminate the possible carcinogens from schools and help local authorities go pesticide-free."

Pan's Nick Mole urged the government to make this a priority and noted that new European legislation to remove pesticides from areas frequented by children was approved on Tuesday (January 12th).

Under these laws, EU member states must minimise or prohibit the use of pesticides in areas used by vulnerable groups, including around schools, playgrounds and healthcare facilities.

Posted by Joseph Hutton