This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 1 June 2023
Is European Neural Health Just Less Important ?
Part of the approval process for pesticide chemicals (herbicides and insecticides), involves laboratory studies on possible detrimental effects in humans. For example, Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) studies are carried out on laboratory rodents. DNT studies can reveal, if exposure to a particular chemical, changes brain size, delays sexual maturation and/or reduces weight gain in neonates etc. An analysis, carried out at Stockholm University, found that some DNTs reported to the US Environmental Protection Agency, were not sent to the comparable EU authority (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/01/pesticide-firms-withheld-brain-toxicity-studies-from-eu-regulators-study-finds). This omission is extremely worrying. It could mean that some dangerous chemicals get an inappropriate 'green light' for use in European agriculture. The UK is currently, perhaps, even less likely to be sent all DNT studies relating to a new pesticide?
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