Some of the cut flowers in the Netherlands are grown in Africa or South America. These flowers often contain large amounts of plant protection products. People who work with cut flowers or place them in a vase at home can be exposed to these substances. For this reason, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) carried out measurements on roses. Exploratory research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows that a number of the substances found could be harmful to the health of workers.
The NVWA took a sample of 177 rose samples from outside the EU (European Union ). A laboratory examined the roses and analysed the substances found. Based on the quantities detected, the RIVM explored whether these flowers could be harmful to people who work with them and to consumers. The rose was chosen as an example because it is the most frequently imported flower.
Plant protection products can have different health effects, depending on the substance and the level of exposure. A total of 103 different substances were found. For most of these, the RIVM was able to establish a health-based guidance value. This value indicates the maximum amount of a substance that a person can be exposed to without adverse effects on health.
Exposure estimate based on sampling
Based on this research, the RIVM estimates that for workers in the flower sector, even when arms and legs are covered and gloves are worn, exposure to around 5 per cent of these substances exceeds the health-based guidance value. Exposure to these substances may have an effect on health. Without protective clothing, this applies to around 20 per cent of the substances. This concerns florists, auction staff and importers. For inspectors, the risk is lower because they have less contact with flowers.
Consumers have lower exposure than people who work with roses. The expectation is that most substances do not pose a health risk. Nevertheless, a health risk cannot be completely ruled out. In addition, eating rose petals that are not grown for consumption may lead to a health risk.
Health risk uncertain
It is not yet clear how great the health risk is for people who come into contact with roses. In this study, the RIVM made an initial estimate of possible exposure to these plant protection products. Further research is needed to improve this estimate.
The RIVM carried out this risk assessment on behalf of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). This study forms part of a broader risk assessment by the NVWA.
Health effects of substances in plant protection products
Plant protection products are used in agriculture, for example to control fungi, insects and weeds. They can also have unintended effects on other organisms, such as humans and animals. As a result, their use involves risks as well as benefits.
Substances in plant protection products can cause a wide range of health effects, depending on the duration and level of exposure and the type of substance. These may include skin allergies, effects on the immune system or nervous system, or even various forms of cancer.
This study looked at flowers grown outside the European Union. Within the European Union, countries must comply with requirements relating to safety, effectiveness and environmental impact when using plant protection products.