According to a report from the National Health Safety Agency (ANSES), around a third of the water distributed in France contains significant quantities of residues of chlorothalonil, a pesticide which was banned in 2020 due to its carcinogenic potential. .
Although it has been used for 50 years, chlorothalonil was banned in France in 2020. However, micropollutants resulting from its degradation are still present in water. According to ANSES, at least 34% of the water distributed does not comply with regulations, although this figure is probably underestimated in agricultural regions. Mickaël Derangeon, vice-president of Atlantic'Eau, affirms that this molecule is worrying because the presence of pesticide residues in water poses a public health problem.
Although studies on the toxicity of molecules and their persistence in water are still limited, a quality limit has been established. However, it is difficult to get rid of these pollutants, as it would be costly for communities and water authorities. Depollution technologies are expensive, imperfect and very energy-intensive.
 Pascal Lemontel
|
07/04/2023 | 
