Experts warn of a health crisis in the French Caribbean

The French government faces calls to lower maximum residue limits (MRLs), after expert warnings of a health crisis in the French Caribbean allegedly linked with pesticides. Extreme levels of the organochlorine insecticide, chlordecone, threaten inhabitants of the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, oncologist Professor Dominique Belpomme has warned, the AFP reports. The European Commission banned the active ingredient, labelled as a persistent organic pollutant (POP), in 2005 (Agrow No 480, p 6). However, Professor Belpomme reportedly alleges that its use continued on banana crops in the French Caribbean after it was banned....



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