Some cut flowers in the Netherlands are grown in Africa or South America. These flowers often contain many pesticides. People working with cut flowers or placing them in vases at home can be exposed to these substances. Therefore, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) conducted measurements on roses. Preliminary research by RIVM shows that some of the detected substances could be harmful to the health of workers.

The NVWA took a sample of 177 rose specimens from outside the EU European Union (European Union). A laboratory examined the roses and analyzed the substances found. Based on the amount of substances found, RIVM explored whether these flowers could be harmful to people working with them and to consumers. The rose was chosen as an example because it is the most imported flower. 

Pesticides can have various health effects depending on the substance and exposure. 103 different substances were found. For most of these, RIVM was able to establish a health-based limit value. This limit indicates the maximum amount of a substance a person may intake without health consequences. 

Exposure estimate based on sample 

Based on this research, RIVM estimates that for workers in the flower sector, even with covered arms and legs and gloves, exposure to about 5 percent of these substances is higher than the health-based limit value. Exposure to these substances may affect health. Without protective clothing, this applies to about 20 percent of the substances. This concerns florists, auction employees, and importers. Inspectors have a lower risk because they have less contact with flowers.

Consumers have lower exposure than people working with roses. It is expected that most substances do not pose a health risk. However, a health risk cannot be completely excluded. In addition, eating rose petals not grown for consumption may lead to a health risk.

Health risk uncertain 

It is not yet clear how large the health risk is for people who come into contact with roses. In this study, RIVM made a first estimate of possible exposure to these pesticides. Further research is needed to improve this estimate. 

RIVM conducted this risk assessment on behalf of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). This study is part of a broader risk assessment by NVWA.  (external link)