French scientists urge constitutional council to reject "dangerous" pesticide law

Tuesday 29 July 2025 - 17:50

By: Dakir Madiha

French scientists urge constitutional council to reject "dangerous" pesticide law

Dozens of scientists, medical experts, and patient advocacy groups have called on France’s Constitutional Council to reject the controversial "Loi Duplomb," describing it as a serious threat to public health. In a public statement published on Tuesday, July 29, the signatories argue that the law, which permits the conditional reintroduction of a pesticide banned since 2018, violates the nation’s environmental and health protections.

A petition and mounting opposition

The opposition to the law has been widespread. A petition against it surpassed two million signatures on Monday, reflecting strong public discontent. The statement, published in Le Monde, urges the Constitutional Council to respect the “democratic will” of the French people, as expressed by citizens, scientists, and agriculture workers alike.

The Council is set to issue its decision on the law on August 7, following its referral by left-wing deputies and senators opposing the measure.

Warnings from leading scientists

The statement warns that the law contradicts the precautionary principle enshrined in France’s environmental charter, which aims to protect future generations from harm. The signatories include numerous prominent figures, such as Olivier Coutard, president of the CNRS Scientific Council; Maxime Molina, head of the Medical Research Foundation; Gérard Socié, president of the National Cancer Institute’s Scientific Council; Philippe Bergerot, president of the League Against Cancer; and Stéphane Oliet, president of the French Society for Neuroscience.

Also backing the statement are patient advocacy leaders, such as Fleur Breteau, founder of Cancer Colère, and Magali Leo, coordinator of Action Patients.

Health risks and overlooked evidence

The critics emphasize the well-documented dangers of pesticides. They cite a 2021 Inserm study that reviewed over 5,000 scientific publications, identifying strong evidence linking pesticide exposure to cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, lung diseases, and endocrine issues.

Despite this, the law was drafted without consulting key public health institutions or experts. The statement highlights the absence of any toxicologists, epidemiologists, or representatives from Inserm, CNRS, or health-related agencies during Senate hearings on the legislation. “How can such a law be passed while ignoring the known health impacts of these substances?” the authors ask, suggesting that political strategy or ignorance may have played a role.

Farmers and public health at risk

The statement underscores the devastating effects of pesticides on human health and the environment. It argues that the law fails not only ordinary French citizens but also farmers, who are often the first victims of pesticide-related illnesses.

“The Loi Duplomb cannot and must not pass,” the authors conclude, calling for the protection of public health over political or economic interests. The Constitutional Council’s decision on August 7 will determine whether their concerns are heeded.