Cut flowers, symbols of beauty and affection, hide a worrying reality for the professionals who handle them on a daily basis. Recent studies reveal widespread contamination of bouquets by pesticides, exposing florists to health risks significant.
Sommaire
What is a pesticide?
Pesticides are chemical substances used to protect plants from pests, diseases and weeds. They fall into several categories: insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.
Although their main use is in agricultural crops, they are also used extensively in floriculture. Unlike foodstuffs, flowers are not intended for human consumption and are therefore not subject to the same strict regulations concerning pesticide residues.

Alarming contamination of cut flowers
UFC-Que Choisir has conducted laboratory analyses on 15 bouquets of roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums purchased in stores, supermarkets, and online. The results are striking: 100% of the tested flowers were contaminated, with up to 46 different pesticide residues on a single bouquet. Among these substances, some are recognized as proven carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, representing a direct threat to florists’ health who handle them daily.
Proven health risks for professionals
The consequences of such exposure are not theoretical. The tragic case of Emmy, who died at the age of 11 from

The importance of air purification in floral environments
Given this reality, it is imperative for florists to protect themselves against the inhalation of these harmful substances. The installation of industrial air purifiers in workshops and shops is an effective solution to reduce the concentration of airborne pesticides. These devices filter and eliminate toxic particles, thereby contributing to a healthier work environment.
OberA’s solutions
At OberA, we understand the challenges facing florists. Our industrial air purifiers are designed to meet the specific needs of environments handling potentially contaminated products in gaseous and solid forms. By investing in our purification solutions, professionals can :
- Significantly reduce the presence of pesticides in ambient air.
- Protect their health and that of their employees from the harmful effects of chemical substances.
- Provide a safer, more pleasant environment for their customers.
It’s vital that florists are aware of the risks associated with the pesticides present in the flowers they handle. Adopting preventive measures, such as the use of industrial air purifiers, is a crucial step in ensuring their safety and that of those around them.
Discover our range of OberA purifiers, for air as pure as a field of flowers in spring.

