Banned Pesticides Persist in Belgian Soil 50 Years After Ban

A study by OVAM found traces of DDT and dieldrin in nearly half of 118 soil samples from fruit farms, potato fields, businesses, and gardens around Sint-Truiden, Hoogstraten, and Roeselare, despite a 50-year ban. The persistence highlights long-term environmental contamination and potential health risks, though the extent of exposure and remediation needs remain uncertain.