Resolving the twin human and environmental health hazards of a plant-based diet - Archive ouverte HAL Access content directly
Journal Articles Environment International Year : 2020

Resolving the twin human and environmental health hazards of a plant-based diet

Kris A.G. Wyckhuys
  • Function : Author
Alexandre Aebi
  • Function : Author
  • PersonId : 944238
Carlos Bojaca
  • Function : Author
Jean-Marc Bonmatin
Lorenzo Furlan
  • Function : Author
Jairo Guerrero
Trinh Mai
  • Function : Author
Hoi Pham
  • Function : Author
Yoshinori Ikenaka
  • Function : Author

Abstract

Food can be health-giving. A global transition towards plant-based diets may equally help curb carbon emissions, slow land-system change and conserve finite resources. Yet, projected benefits of such ‘planetary health’ diets imperfectly capture the environmental or societal health outcomes tied to food production. Here, we examine pesticide-related hazards of fruit and vegetable consumption, and list proven management alternatives per commodity, geography and chemical compound. Across countries, pesticide use in these alleged healthful foods is extensive with up to 97% food items containing residues and up to 42% posing dietary risks to consumers. Multiple residues are present in 70–92% of US- and China-grown stone fruit while 58% US cauliflower is tainted with neonicotinoid insecticides. Science-based alternatives and decision-support frameworks can help food producers reduce risks and potential harm by deliberately abstaining from pesticide use. As such, opportunities abound to advance ‘win-win’ diets that simultaneously nurture human health and conserve global biodiversity.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
Jean-MarcBonmatin_2020_resolving_Environment_International.pdf (3.73 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origin : Publisher files allowed on an open archive

Dates and versions

hal-02930817 , version 1 (24-11-2020)

Identifiers

Cite

Kris A.G. Wyckhuys, Alexandre Aebi, Maarten F.I.J. Bijleveld van Lexmond, Carlos Bojaca, Jean-Marc Bonmatin, et al.. Resolving the twin human and environmental health hazards of a plant-based diet. Environment International, 2020, 144, pp.106081. ⟨10.1016/j.envint.2020.106081⟩. ⟨hal-02930817⟩
152 View
34 Download

Altmetric

Share

Gmail Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More