What is land spread?

widely held in France land spread is an agricultural practice consisting in the spread of chemical or organic substances of agricultural interest (fertilizers, organic substances, pesticides, etc.) on cultivated areas and agricultural lands (fields, forests, etc.).
The practice of land spreading, which has been a source of concern, is now at the center of a variety of ecological and health problems associated with microbiological and chemical hazards.

What does “phytosanitary” mean?

First of all, we think it is important to analyze the word “phytosanitary”. Phyto-, from the Ancient Greek word “φυτόν”, is a prefix used for words related to the plant world. Because of the crisis we have endured since 2020, the word “sanitary” (Latin sanitas, health) no longer carries any secrets for us: it refers to everything related to hygiene and the protection of public health. Because
“phytosanitary” refers to something related to maintaining plant health. However, this practice is not without controversy: phytosanitary products If it aims to guarantee the good health of plants, it expresses the idea of \u200b\u200bdangers to chemical products and therefore to the population.

Use of phytosanitary products

Phytosanitary products, of natural or chemical origin, are also known as “phytopharmaceutical products” and are used mainly to increase efficiency. in soil fertilization is used. There are various families of phytosanitary products aimed at protecting plant species, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides (against fungi), molluscicides (against slugs and snails), rodenticides (destroying rodents).

Phytosanitary substances It usually works by eliminating or controlling specific pests. Indeed, certain parasites such as “weeds”, bacteria or even animals can limit the tillability of the soil and thus affect the yield. Some of these plants may also pose a risk to humans or animals if usage precautions are not followed.

How can you protect yourself from the spread of phytosanitary products?

Whether you are a farmer or live near a cultivated field, it is essential to take necessary precautions and follow the correct procedures to protect yourself when spraying and other chemical-based treatments. Among the preventive measures KKD ( Personal Protective Equipment ) and wearing respiratory protection equipment. Filtering devices cover several product categories and their appropriate use:

Half masks as basic minimum protection . These only cover the lower part of the face (nose and mouth). However, there are two major restrictions on their use: the substances to be filtered must not irritate the eyes, such as chlorine, ammonia or nitric acid. Filter cartridges should not exceed 300 grams, which sometimes limits their combined gas and particle (including dust) configurations.
full face masks It is used as intermediate protection. They cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes). They are especially suitable for use in toxic environments that pose a potential danger to eye mucous membranes. With 5 attachment points to secure the face, they can support filter cartridges weighing more than 300 grams and are therefore more effective as they have more filtering elements.
Powered air purifying respirators More detailed filtering are respiratory protection devices. Their main advantage is the reduction of respiratory effort, which is reduced by a powered ventilator that delivers filtered air directly to the facepiece (full face mask or cap) through a coiled hose. For this reason, such devices are preferred for challenging, tiring and long-term work.

For effective respiratory protection, depending on the type of product used, in most cases the A2-P3 filter cartridge (against organic gases and vapors, fine particles and dust, viruses and bacteria) is preferred in combination with a half mask, full face mask or powered ventilation device.

In addition to these filtering devices, a chemical protection suit can be very useful. Whether reusable or disposable, sold individually or in lots, the combination must be the right size to ensure freedom of movement.

In addition to these filtration devices, a hazmat suit such as the NS series disposable coverall will be valuable. Whether reusable or disposable, whether sold individually or in lots, clothing must be the right size to ensure freedom of movement. The TS series microporous hazmat suit is ergonomically designed to allow the user to move comfortably. In the store or by delivery, you can choose a kit that includes gloves and goggles, providing full protection for skin and eyes. Garment is classified according to a type and class that defines its performance and permeation time. As an alternative to a respirator, you can choose a full-face helmet with visor and work with peace of mind.

The dangers of phytosanitary proliferation

The use of pesticides has undesirable effects on health and the environment. It can harm all kinds of living things (plants and animals).

Several studies have shown that certain extremely toxic elements can promote certain cancers, impair fertility, or even impair the immune or nervous system. Some findings have suggested that contamination is chronic and therefore present all year round, although periods of dissemination begin in spring and end in autumn; The same molecules are found in cities as in rural areas, and banned pesticides (herbicides or others) are always detected in the air.

Its effects on the environment are a major ecological disaster. The pesticides used get into the soil and then pollute the natural environment. In conclusion, animal biodiversity They constitute a major impact factor for (in the short term, certain organisms are poisoned).

Agricultural expansion is a controlled activity

Regulations regarding spraying pesticides near homes are becoming stricter every year. any to spray pesticide Before starting, farmers must comply with many precautions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations:

the power of the wind

Every farmer should measure wind strength before starting to spread pesticides. To avoid spraying outside the sprayed area, the average wind speed should be less than 11 km/h. Beyond this, it is strongly recommended to postpone spraying at the risk of paying a fine. A few years ago a farmer was fined 10,000 euros for spreading pesticide near children's entertainment centres.

Retreat distances for field application

Since 2019 the French government has implemented a land minimum retreat distance between neighboring houses and agricultural land brought . The aim is to ensure a minimum safety distance before applying the plant protection product. In other words, the farmer must respect a minimum distance between the cultivated field and residents living near the propagation areas.

Additionally, the French Ministry of Agriculture announced that measures regarding the use of phytopharmaceutical products in the vineyard may come into force next July. To be continued….

Since July 2022, restrictions have been introduced in France to prevent the possession of plant protection products near cemeteries, sports fields and narrow or hard-to-reach areas. A commission may approve extending the deadline under certain conditions.

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are actively working. The data collected will change the previous regulation, allowing us to determine the compatibility of the use of plant protection products and residues with sustainable development. Water quality monitoring is also valuable for warning of contamination.

According to WHO, food, of contamination and remains a major source of exposure to pesticides. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the foods richest in pesticides: apples, cherries, strawberries, clementines, etc.

On the other hand, therefore purchasing fruits and vegetables from organic farming (EU labeled) reduces the risk of contamination. This method of agricultural production excludes the use of chemicals as much as possible and respects the environment: it protects the soil, water table and atmospheric pollution.