Children most at risk from pesticides

Geneva: Children are facing higher risks from pesticides than adults and need greater protection against these chemicals, particularly in developing countries, according to a joint report published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Pesticide poisoning is a serious health problem that mainly affects infants and children, the UN report, called “Child Pesticide Poisoning: Information for Advocacy and Action” and issued this week, said.

The number of children affected is unknown but, based on the experience of many countries, likely to be large.