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Protective clothing in the field

01/2020, 08.01.2020

Forum at the International Green Week provides information and discusses safety in pesticide use

Plant protection products are safe - in principle. However, a prerequisite is that they are used properly and for their intended purpose. This means, for example, that when used in the field, protective clothing such as overalls, breathing masks and gloves must be worn if this is specified in the instructions for use. A joint forum of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) will address the topic of "Using plant protection products safely and staying healthy" at the International Green Week in Berlin on 21 January 2020. The reason for this is stricter health protection regulations, which have been in force since May 2019. Anyone who does not follow the instructions for use can now expect to be fined.

https://www.bfr-akademie.de/media/wysiwyg/2020/IGWForum2020/Programmflyer_Forum_IGW_2020.pdf

"On the basis of assessment models agreed at European level, we estimate how much of a plant protection product is absorbed through the skin or the airways", says BfR Vice President Dr. Roland Solecki. "Based on this, we assess the health risk and recommend measures that can reliably provide protection." These are made compulsory by the BVL when a plant protection product is authorised, for example, in the instructions for use.

The forum will also explain the scientific background and principles of risk management and users of plant protection products will report on their experiences. In a concluding panel discussion, representatives from politics, authorities, farming associations and practitioners will have their say and answer questions. Among the participants are Alois Gerig, Chairman of the German Bundestag’s Committee on Food and Agriculture, as well as Friedel Cramer, President of the BVL and Dr. Roland Solecki, Vice President of the BfR. The audience can also participate in discussions and ask questions. Entry is free of charge.

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the German federal government and German federal states ("Laender") on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.

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