MINNEAPOLIS — The multi-billion-dollar global cut flower industry is confronting a hidden occupational health crisis, as florists and industry workers worldwide report severe chronic health issues potentially linked to prolonged exposure to high levels of unregulated pesticides used on imported blooms. In a case highlighting the risks, Minneapolis florist Sarah Chen, 30, was forced to close her eight-year successful business in December 2024 after persistent, debilitating symptoms—including profound fatigue, dizziness, and elevated liver enzymes—led her to conclude her health deterioration was caused by daily chemical contact in her studio.
Chen, who grew her operation into a 10-person team, now believes the relentless health struggles that plagued her for years stemmed from pesticides residual on the imported flowers predominantly used in the trade. “To find out that I feel this bad because of my job is horrible and stressful,” Chen explained, questioning why the widespread chemical exposure risks remain largely unaddressed within the industry.
Lack of Regulation Creates Worker Hazard
While consumers face minimal risk from occasional exposure, experts caution that workers who handle flowers daily are exposed to “toxic bombs” of chemicals. Unlike produce, which is subject to strict limits, cut flowers face virtually no upper limits on pesticide residue in major markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This regulatory void exists because flowers are not intended for consumption, but it dangerously neglects the safety of the florists and farmworkers who are in continuous contact with the materials.
Research confirms the severity of the issue. A 2018 study analyzing 90 bouquets identified 107 different pesticides. Alarmingly, 70 of these chemicals were detected in the urine of florists sampled, even across workers who reported wearing two pairs of gloves. Exposure to one tested chemical, the possible carcinogen clofentezine, exceeded acceptable workplace thresholds by a factor of four.
The majority of flowers sold in Western markets, approximately 85% in the UK, are sourced from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, where regulatory oversight on chemical use is often minimal.
Health Links and Emerging Evidence
The potential link between floristry chemicals and severe diseases gained tragic visibility in France. In a landmark decision, France’s Pesticide Victims Compensation Fund officially recognized a connection between the pesticide exposure of florist Sophie Dubois during her pregnancy and the subsequent death of her 11-year-old daughter, Emmy, from cancer in March 2022.
Researchers Jean-Noël Jouzel and Giovanni Prete are investigating similar cases, speaking to florists who have experienced childhood cancer or neurodevelopmental disorders in their children, though establishing direct, single-factor causation remains scientifically challenging.
Professor Michael Eddleston, a clinical toxicology expert at the University of Edinburgh, noted that the lack of regulation removes incentives for supply chain improvements. “With flowers, nobody’s monitoring, so there’s no incentive to change long-standing practices,” he said.
Education Gap and Industry Opacity
Many florists, like Chen in her initial years, remain entirely unaware of the chemical risks. James Mitchell, a veteran florist who owns Kensington Blooms in London, commented that the topic has never been discussed in his two decades in the business.
Industry leaders acknowledge a significant gap. “No publicly available occupational hazard guidelines exist for florists,” according to Angela Oliver, CEO of the British Florist Association. While some expensive courses touch upon the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), most practitioners learn on the job without formal advice on mitigating chemical exposure.
The supply chain complicates informed decision-making. Unlike the food or fashion industries, flower sources remain opaque. Independent florists typically buy “blind” from wholesalers, with labels lacking critical information about chemical usage, origin, and labor practices.
Actionable Steps Amid Slow Progress
While establishing direct causation is difficult, health symptoms—including nausea, headaches, and skin problems—are widespread. Chen, whose health improved significantly after leaving the industry, now advocates for practical steps to reduce exposure.
Recommended Protective Measures for Florists:
- Always wear protective gloves when handling imported flowers.
- Install air purifiers in studio spaces and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Increase sourcing of locally grown flowers to reduce chemical exposure risk.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling imported blooms, recognizing that the “chalky film” often observed is chemical residue, not harmless dust.
Despite industry reluctance to address the invisible threat, the issue is creating momentum for change. Following the French tragedy, the French government launched a study assessing flower worker pesticide exposure that is expected to inform future regulatory proposals, potentially including maximum pesticide residue limits for cut flowers.
Experts like Professor Eddleston stress the urgent need for comprehensive epidemiological studies to quantify the long-term health risks to florists, urging the industry to acknowledge and act upon this neglected occupational hazard.