The fruit of Europe is contaminated with pesticides that put public health at risk

The autumn fruit of Europe is highly contaminated with dangerous pesticides, indicates a study by 'Pesticides Action Networlk Europe'. A large part of the pears (49%), table grapes (44%), apples (34%), plums (29%) and raspberries (25%) are being sold with pesticide residues linked to the increase in the number of cancers, congenital deformities, heart diseases, among other health problems.

Belgian and Dutch pears are the most contaminated, 71% and 70% respectively. Romanian, Latvian and Swedish pears, on the other hand, are the least contaminated. The chemical residues found are harmful to health, even if in small quantities.

Dutch and Greek apples are the most contaminated, 71% and 54% respectively. No trace of pesticides were the Norwegian, Slovenian and Swedish apples. In relation to raspberries, the most contaminated are the Dutch ones with 61% contamination.

Hungarian and Greek plums are the most contaminated; Greek and Italian grapes are the most contaminated with 56% and 47% respectively.

It is estimated that Europe will spend 32 billion euros on treatments against diseases caused by the contamination of European fruits.