70,1% of Reunion households use pesticides at home, reveals the results of an investigation by the National Food Safety Agency, environment and work (Considered).
Products in the form of aerosols or sprays are the most frequently used products in Reunion Island., like in the West Indies to fight mosquitoes, cockroaches and ants. The use of pesticide products, all uses combined, is three to four times more common in the Overseas Territories than in France.
The share of very strong users, using pesticides more than twice a week at least, represents almost a third of households in Reunion, a quarter in Guadeloupe, and a fifth in Martinique.
On the three islands, more than 80% of households store at least one pesticide at home, mainly in the kitchen, the shed or garage. At the time of the investigation, nearly 20% of products in Reunion Island were prohibited for sale and 60% of unused and expired products are thrown in the trash instead of being taken to a recycling center.
“Few users wear protective equipment like gloves, masks or protective clothing. Generally speaking, the precautions and recommendations for using products are not always read or respected”, underlines Anses.
Certain biocidal products intended for the general public may no longer be available for self-service in the future.
