Nearly a third of the farmland around the world is at high risk of pesticide pollution, according to a new report. A third were considered high-risk, with pesticide levels more than 1,000 times higher than no-effect concentrations. Thirty-one percent was considered 'high risk,' or had levels of pesticide residues more than a 1,000 times what is considered harmless. Elevated contamination levels in Russia, Ukraine and Spain meant over 60 percent of European farmland is at high risk of pesticide pollution. Cold temperatures may slow their breakdown, while heavy rains can lead to high levels of runoff contaminating waterways.

Source: Daily Mail March 29, 2021 21:33 UTC