From fields to gardens: Pesticide contamination in residential areas. A participatory study in Verona (Veneto Region, Italy), 2021-2022.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate pesticide residues in private gardens near crops in the province of Verona (Veneto Region, Northern Italy) and assess potential risks to human and environmental health. DESIGN: cross-sectional observational study based on a participatory research approach. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: fifty residential gardens located within 40 metres of cultivated fields, selected through community engagement activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: detection frequency, type, and concentration of pesticides in deciduous leaves; assessment of associated toxicological risk levels. RESULTS: pesticides were found in over 70% of the samples analysed. Folpet-phthalimide was the most frequently detected compound (55.3%). Several hazardous substances were found within distances below those recommended by regional guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: the findings highlight shortcomings in current protection measures against pesticide drift. Participatory environmental monitoring can strengthen prevention strategies and support public health action.