April 1951: Curtailing drifting pesticides

Among them are pesticides, which were becoming widespread in a post-war economy that continued food rationing until 1953.

Since their introduction, however, pesticides have been linked with a decline in biodiversity, notably bee populations; for having negative impacts on air, soil and water, and for being detrimental to human health.

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Less than a decade after the war, it was becoming clear that pesticides had to be applied in a more controlled and targeted manner because they would sometimes drift from their intended target and cause damage to different crops nearby. The Ministry of Agriculture also raised concerns about protections afforded to agricultural workers who were applying these chemicals.

Current regulations from the Health and Safety Executive state: ‘Users of pesticides must ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent spray drift. Reasonable precautions include using the right spraying techniques and equipment, taking account of weather conditions and the need to protect neighbours’ interests and other members of the public, wildlife and the environment.’