Brazil studies effects of agrochemical use

The Brazilian Ministry of Health is monitoring the use of pesticides on crops to evaluate their impact on health and the environment, the state news agency, Agencia Brasil, reports. Its Oswald Cruz Foundation (FioCruz) is leading researchers from three national universities on the project. They aim to -verify the relationship between the use of pesticides and the incidences of poisoning" and health problems among the public. The results should -help to determine standards for correct use of pesticides, lowering health and environmental risks". The study is analysing: water samples; soil from fruit and horticultural areas; and health indicators collected by public state and municipal bodies. It will last two years, -covering the cycle of planting to harvest".