Occupational chemical risks in the Flower and Plant Trade

Employees in the flower and horticultural trade may be exposed to pesticides and other chemicals used in the cultivation and transport of flowers and plants. PlantSafe investigates the extent of this exposure and examines how national and EU legislation addresses pesticide use and occupational exposure among florists.

The project aims to identify and assess chemical occupational risks in the flower and horticultural trade. We will investigate the occurrence and extent of dermal exposure to pesticides, allergenic substances, and water among workers, and examine links between exposure and the development of allergies and eczema. The project will also analyze legislation, regulatory oversight, allocation of responsibilities, and information flows in order to identify gaps and barriers to effective occupational health and safety protection.

Approximately 100 participants will be recruited from flower retail chains, wholesalers, and independent flower shops. Skin and urine samples will be collected and analysed for pesticides and allergens. A questionnaire survey will be conducted to assess skin problems, symptoms, and water exposure. Legislation and regulatory oversight will be systematically reviewed and analysed. A reference group representing key industry stakeholders will follow the project and contribute to communication and dissemination activities. The results will be processed and presented from both scientific and practical perspectives.

The project will generate new knowledge about occupational exposure to pesticides and allergens, as well as the importance of water exposure. We expect to clarify the links between exposure and skin problems and identify gaps in legislation and information flows. The project will provide new insights into a dimension of occupational health that has not been considered so far, for employees in the flower and horticultural trade: exposure to organic environmental contaminants and allergenic chemicals in the workplace, and how such exposure can be minimized.

The project is carried out entirely by specialists from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute within the research areas Sustainable Working Life, Environmental Chemistry, and Safe and Sustainable Chemistry.