Ethical implications and civil liability of regulatory authorities in the authorization of carcinogenic pesticides

Abstract

While the European Union prohibits pesticides with proven carcinogenic potential, in Brazil such
substances are approved by regulatory agencies. This study questions the ethical implications and civil
liability of regulatory authorities that, despite available evidence, authorize the commercialization of
pesticides known to cause cancer. The ethical stance and misconduct of regulatory agencies and their
agents, by benefiting a rural elite, place the entire society at risk, especially farmers who directly handle
these pesticides and constitute the most vulnerable group, contrary to the principles of the Universal
Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, due to violations of personal integrity, the breakdown of
social and health responsibility, and negligence. In addition to transgressing ethical values, regulatory
authorities, as state agents, by approving the registration of recognized carcinogenic pesticides, may be
committing civil liability offenses due to negligence and omission as provided by law.