‘There’s a dark side to floristry’: are pesticides making workers seriously ill – or worse?

Unlike in food, there is no upper limit on the amount of pesticide residue levels in flowers. After French officials linked the death of a florist’s child to exposure in pregnancy, many in the industry are raising the alarm. Pesticides can easily be absorbed through skin contact or inhalation by people exposed for hours every day. Research shows that florists can have higher rates of premature births and babies with birth defects. A small but growing call to raise awareness among authorities and florists, a predominantly female workforce, who are exposed daily to residues but often don’t wear protective equipment.