Researchers examined public records for eight Latin American countries and for the main crops up to December 2020. They found 523 active pesticide ingredients approved in the region and said many are not authorised in the European Union.
About 256 ingredients were banned or not authorised in the EU. The study notes that crops with high production and export value, such as soybeans, maize, wheat and rice, had more of these substances. Pesticide consumption in the region rose about 500 per cent between 1990 and 2019.
The authors warn of health risks for farm workers and nearby communities and recommend bans and stronger local rules to reduce harm.
Difficult words
- pesticide — chemical used to kill pests on crops
- ingredient — one part of a mixture or productingredients
- authorise — give official permission for somethingauthorised
- ban — official rule that stops some actionbanned
- export — sell and send goods to other countries
- consumption — the act of using or eating something
- community — people living near each other in one areacommunities
- recommend — say that something is a good idea
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think your country exports crops with banned pesticides? Why or why not?
- What rules could protect farm workers from health risks?
- Have you or someone you know worked near farms with pesticides? How did it feel?
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