MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The seemingly innocuous beauty of cut flowers is increasingly masking a severe occupational health hazard for florists and flower workers worldwide, prompting calls for urgent regulatory oversight, according to recent distressing reports and scientific findings. Sarah Chen, a former award-winning Minneapolis florist, was forced to close her thriving eight-year business in December 2024 after suffering debilitating and unexplained chronic symptoms, including severe fatigue and cognitive disorientation, which doctors now link to daily exposure to chemical residues on imported flowers. Chen’s experience highlights a widening, largely unpublicized crisis concerning the lack of pesticide regulation in the global floristry supply chain, posing risks to thousands of industry professionals.
Lack of Oversight Creates Worker Risk
Unlike produce, cut flowers sold in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States face no maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, creating a “toxic reality” for those who handle them daily. Globally, approximately 85% of flowers are sourced from countries such as Kenya, Colombia, and Ecuador, where chemical use is extensive and monitoring of worker safety is often minimal.
Expert analysis suggests florists frequently handle what are effectively “toxic bombs” due to the cocktail of chemicals used to ensure flawless appearance and longevity during transit. Professor Michael Eddleston, a clinical toxicology expert at the University of Edinburgh, noted that while other industries have reduced chemical loads, the lack of scrutiny in the flower sector eliminates any incentive for change.
“It surprises me that this hasn’t been picked up before and it hasn’t been recognized as a problem,” Eddleston said, stressing the need for immediate health studies on florists.
Health Concerns Range from Chronic Illness to Tragic Loss
The danger extends beyond individual chronic illness. The issue gained tragic visibility in France in 2022 when the Pesticide Victims Compensation Fund recognized a connection between a florist’s occupational pesticide exposure and her 11-year-old daughter’s death from cancer.
“If someone had warned me, my daughter would still be here,” the florist, Sophie Dubois, told French media.
This case catalyzed research into parental pesticide exposure among florists and subsequent childhood diseases. Scholars Jean-Noël Jouzel and Giovanni Prete have documented disturbing anecdotal parallels, though establishing direct causation remains scientifically difficult due to the long latency periods of many diseases.
However, accumulating evidence supports the link. A 2018 study analyzed 90 bouquets and identified 107 pesticides, with 70 detected in the urine of participating florists, even those wearing double gloves. Exposure levels to one hazardous pesticide, clofentezine, exceeded acceptable thresholds by four times.
For Ms. Chen, the cumulative exposure led to elevated liver enzymes—signs of potential poisoning-related liver damage—before she made the decision to close her Minneapolis shop. Her symptoms resolved only after leaving the profession, strongly suggesting a direct environmental link, according to medical experts.
Industry Grapples with Awareness and Traceability Gaps
Many industry professionals remain dangerously unaware of the risks. Florist James Mitchell, a two-decade veteran in West London, stated the topic has never been raised in his career. This education gap is widely acknowledged, with florists often learning their trade without formalized occupational health and safety guidelines regarding chemical exposure.
Angela Oliver, CEO of the British Florist Association, stated that no publicly available occupational hazard guidelines exist for florists and noted the organization is not planning to discuss the issue further, indicating a significant disconnect between the perceived threat and official response.
The structure of the global supply chain exacerbates the problem. Most independent florists purchase flowers “blind” from wholesalers without vital information on chemical usage or labor practices. Jessica Martinez, founder of London-based Petal & Stem Studio, noted the impossibility of finding research to determine her actual exposure levels, even when using protective gear.
French authorities have initiated a study assessing worker pesticide exposure, a promising first step toward potential regulatory proposals, including maximum pesticide residue limits for flowers. Meanwhile, experts advise florists to adopt immediate, actionable precautions, including consistently wearing gloves, utilizing studio air purification systems, and prioritizing locally sourced blooms where chemical oversight is often more transparent.
As the industry struggles with visibility challenges and rising operational costs, addressing this silent health epidemic is critical. Protecting the health of florists like Sarah Chen—who sacrificed her career for wellness—requires systemic change and transparency across the entire floral supply chain.