Science’s slow response to confirm the link between exposure and pathology, and the reluctance of public authorities to acknowledge the need for treatment, has led to some tragic consequences.
Gaelle suffers from myeloproliferative syndrome; Loick and Pascal from hyper-sensitivity to chemicals, which notably presents as an intolerance to odours.
These pathologies, which impair their everyday lives, are not recognised in the list of health conditions related to working with pesticides, even though there is strong evidence to suggest that they may be the cause.
For these agricultural workers, this is the beginning of a long and arduous battle which involves producing evidence, proving a lack of medical recognition, and taking legal action.