The results of these studies have not been shared with the Swedish and European authorities, which researcher Axel Mie calls a clear breach of law and ethics. The substances Fluazinam and Abamectin, used in potato and onion plantations and in greenhouse cultivation, have been found to reduce the brain size of rat pups and delay their sexual maturation.

Companies are obliged to inform the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of these test results, but the researchers' investigation shows that many companies cheat by withholding information. Not only does this make the authorities' assessments unreliable, it also prevents the introduction of health bans.

Widely used in apple cultivation, fluazinam has even been found in playgrounds in South Tyrol, posing a risk to pregnant women and children in the area. Although it is difficult to determine exactly what risk these preparations pose to humans. Brain development in rats and humans is very similar, so we have to assume that if a substance damages the brains of baby rats, it is likely to damage humans too.

The researchers have informed EFSA about these studies and several substances are currently under evaluation at EU level.