MINNEAPOLIS — The multi-billion dollar cut flower industry is facing increased scrutiny over the potential health risks posed by high pesticide levels often found on imported bouquets, directly impacting florists who handle the chemical-laden products daily. Florists worldwide are reporting unexplained chronic health issues—from neurological symptoms to elevated liver enzymes—prompting serious concern among advocates and researchers. The industry’s opacity, a lack of strict regulation for floral pesticides unlike produce, and minimal awareness among florists themselves are contributing to what experts describe as a hidden occupational hazard, with potential long-term consequences for those working directly with the blooms.
The issue was tragically highlighted following a French legal ruling in 2022. France’s Pesticide Victims Compensation Fund recognized a correlation between a deceased 11-year-old girl’s cancer and her mother, a florist, being exposed to high pesticide levels during pregnancy. The ruling has spurred renewed calls for transparency and regulatory reform across the global supply chain.
Workers Report Devastating Health Consequences
For many industry workers, the impact is personal and immediate. Sarah Chen, a 30-year-old former florist in Minneapolis, closed her thriving eight-person business in December 2024 after struggling for years with debilitating fatigue, chronic headaches, and severe nausea. Chen believes her symptoms stemmed directly from daily, prolonged exposure to residual chemicals on the imported flowers she processed.
“To find out that I feel this bad because of my job is horrible and stressful,” Chen shared, questioning why this pervasive industry hazard remains largely undiscussed.
Chen’s experience aligns with limited but compelling scientific data. A 2018 study analyzed 90 bouquets and discovered 107 different pesticides. Researchers testing the urine of florists who handled these flowers found 70 of those substances present in their biological samples—even among those who wore double layers of protective gloves. Exposure to one common pesticide, clofentezine, exceeded safe limits by fourfold.
The core problem, according to toxicology experts, is the near-total lack of regulatory oversight. Unlike fruits and vegetables, cut flowers—which are not consumed—have no upper limits on pesticide residue exposure in the European Union, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
Professor Michael Eddleston, a clinical toxicology expert at the University of Edinburgh, noted that the absence of monitoring removes any incentive for flower producers to decrease chemical reliance. The vast majority of commercially sold flowers—approximately 85% in the U.K. market—are sourced from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya, where pesticide regulation and labor protections are often minimally enforced.
Research Illuminates Occupational Risks
Decades of research into flower industry workers, particularly in the production supply chain, paints a troubling picture. A 1990 study of Colombian flower workers reported exposure to 127 different chemicals, with pregnant workers showing potential links to elevated rates of premature births and birth defects.
More recently, independent research teams are exploring potential links between parental exposure during floristry work and childhood diseases. Investigating three florists, researchers Jean-Noël Jouzel and Giovanni Prete spoke to mothers whose children suffered severe illnesses, including two cancer fatalities and one case of neurodevelopmental disorders. While establishing direct causation is highly complex, Jouzel concluded, “In these three cases, it’s very plausible that there is a link.”
Many florists remain unaware of the risks. James Mitchell, a long-time London florist, stated the topic has never surfaced within the professional community. Furthermore, the British Florist Association does not offer publicly accessible occupational hazard guidelines specifically addressing pesticide exposure for its members, citing the rarity of reported health issues.
Industry Experts Urge Protective Action and Transparency
The prevailing sentiment among affected individuals is a critical gap in industry education. Many florists learn on the job and lack formal training regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), which is often mandatory only in expensive, non-obligatory courses.
To mitigate immediate exposure risks, experts and former florists advise straightforward, actionable steps:
- Consistent PPE Use: Always wear protective gloves and long sleeves when processing imported flowers.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow with open windows or certified air purifiers in workspaces.
- Local Sourcing: Prioritize flowers sourced from verifiable local and sustainable growers, which typically use fewer synthetic chemicals.
While establishing a definitive medical link between workplace exposure and chronic illness is challenging, toxicologists insist the data necessitates further investigation. Eddleston stresses the need for extensive health studies on florists, adding, “It surprises me that this hasn’t been picked up before and it hasn’t been recognized as a problem. But I think it’s something to worry about.”
France is currently conducting a government-led study assessing flower worker pesticide exposure, which is expected to prompt regulatory proposals, potentially including maximum residue limits for floral products. Until widespread change occurs, transparency from wholesalers and heightened safety awareness among florists remain essential to protect the health of those dedicated to the beauty of the bloom.