In laboratories, extremely small amounts of plant protection products can be measured, sometimes down to a satellite level (micro- or nanogram). That is why residues — so-called residues — can be found on flowers and plants, from both biological and chemical agents.

There are no MRL limits (Maximum Residue Limits) for flowers and plants that are not intended for consumption, such as fruit and vegetables. However, ornamental plants are also rigorously assessed. When authorized, the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) looks at the risk of wipeable residue: the amount of product that may end up on the skin when touched, for example by workers in cultivation or florists.

The Ctgb only authorises products whose risk to humans, animals and the environment has been safely assessed. In the period between application by the grower and purchase by consumers, residue decreases further through degradation, evaporation, storage and water treatment in stores. According to the Ctgb, consumers are not at health risk when used normally (putting flowers in a vase, touching them, smelling them).

Resources: NVWA, Cgb

According to regulators such as the Ctgb and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), there are no indications that consumers are at risk by bringing flowers or plants into their homes that use authorized plant protection products. Flowers are not eaten and exposure through skin contact is very limited. When placing in a vase or smelling flowers, only a negligible amount of residue is absorbed.

Before each crop protection product is authorised, an extensive risk assessment is carried out based on international scientific standards. This includes possible effects on DNA, hormone balance, fertility, water quality and ecology. Only products that meet these requirements are allowed. In addition, funds are regularly reviewed.

Professionals who work with large quantities of flowers for a long time — such as nursery workers or florists — follow additional hygiene recommendations, such as gloves when working intensively and washing hands. Branch organizations support this with guidelines (including Stigas, VBW).

For consumers, the conclusion remains: normal use of flowers does not pose a health risk.

In the Netherlands, a lot of research is being done into possible health risks for residents living in rural areas. The most important research is the RIVM program Research on Pesticides and Local Residents (OBO). In addition, it was measured whether substances can be found in the air, house dust, doormats and urine of local residents.

The RIVM study OBO-1 (2019) showed that plant protection products were measurable but did not exceed risk limits. The RIVM concluded that there is no reason to limit permits, but recommended that exposure be mapped more accurately. That is why follow-up OBO-2 (2023—2031) research is currently underway, focusing on possible health relationships, including Parkinson's, childhood leukemia, asthma, COPD and cognitive development.

The Health Council recommends a precautionary approach and further sustainability in crop protection. The floriculture sector endorses this line and invests in techniques such as drift reduction, precision spraying and IPM measures.

So far, research results have provided no reason for additional cultivation bans or additional buffer zones, but the research is being actively continued to take social concerns seriously.

The floriculture sector is working intensively to limit and replace chemical plant protection products. The starting point is integrated crop protection (IPM): prevention, biological control and chemical only as the last step. More than 85% of companies use IPM.

Sustainable steps in practice:
✔ use of vibrations, fragrances and pheromones
✔ use of natural enemies
✔ resistant varieties and clean starting material
✔ soil improvement, compost, biostimulants
✔ precision applications instead of full-field spraying
✔ certification such as MPS ABC with environmental resource scores

MPS allocates resources to environmental taxes (red, orange, green) and sees a sharp decline in heavily taxing resources.

Decline in usage (MPS, 2015—2024):
🏺 potted plants worldwide — 29% total, in NL — 37%; NL's heaviest products of 7% → 0.5%
🌹 cut flowers worldwide — 35%; NL — 48%; heaviest products NL of 8% → 2%

New technology is accelerating this development:
🔹 pest monitoring drones
🔹 laser weeders against weeds
🔹 search engines in bulb cultivation
🔹 precision spraying technology with sensors
🔹 Crop Protection Environmental Indicator (MIG) for environmental choices

‍Sources: Ctgb (2024); NVWA (2024); RIVM (2019, 2024); MPS (2024)