Forty-seven different pesticides have been detected in the air of Weert and Nederweert, Netherlands, according to research from Stichting Natuurlijk Platform.
Measurements were taken at various locations in both municipalities, revealing a total of 47 distinct pesticide compounds present in air filters. Ten of these substances are not currently approved for use as plant protection products in the Netherlands. The foundation stated it is unclear how these unauthorized chemicals entered the atmosphere. Of the 47 pesticides identified, nine are classified by the RIVM (Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) as “Very Concerning Substances,” and two are considered “potentially Very Concerning Substances.”
Concerns Over Pesticides
The research was prompted by concerns raised by local residents. Both Weert and Nederweert are areas with intensive livestock farming and arable agriculture, practices that, according to the foundation, often involve heavy pesticide use. Exposure to pesticides is a growing public health concern, as numerous studies have linked it to a range of adverse health effects.
Numerous scientific studies have established links between pesticide exposure and various health problems, as noted in the report. Both short-term and long-term exposure can be detrimental to health. The GGD (municipal public health service) recommends closing windows and doors, staying indoors, keeping pets inside and avoiding hanging laundry outside when pesticides are being used nearby.
Approval Doesn’t Automatically Mean Safe, Foundation Argues
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the Ctgb (Netherlands Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products) evaluate pesticides before they are approved for use. However, the report states that both authorities have confirmed that the approval procedures do not include research into neurodegenerative diseases. The potential health effects of exposure to combinations of multiple pesticides have not been investigated.
the foundation contends that approval does not guarantee the safety of these substances.
Pesticide Spread Through the Air
According to the report, pesticides do not remain confined to agricultural fields. They can spread through the air via drift, volatilization, and dust, potentially traveling several kilometers. Measurements were taken at four locations: two in the municipality of Weert (Tennis Club Weert-Oost and the Tungelroy area) and two in Nederweert (Nederweert-Eind near Museum Eynderhoof and a rural area).
Call to Municipalities
Stichting Natuurlijk Platform is urging the municipalities of Weert and Nederweert to protect residents from pesticide exposure. The foundation asserts that the municipalities have not taken sufficient action to date. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to safeguard public health in agricultural regions.
The foundation also references a guide from Stichting Urgenda that provides municipalities with resources to address the issue. The organization is calling on political parties to prioritize this topic in the lead-up to the municipal council elections on March 18, 2026.
