NGOs across Europe have enthusiastically applauded the decision by Italy’s Ministry of Health on Friday to place a number of restrictions on the use of the probable carcinogen Glyphosate, one of the world’s most ubiquitous pesticides.

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe stated that the Italian restrictions ban the use of Glyphosate in areas frequented by the public or by “vulnerable groups” including children and the elderly. The list of banned areas includes parks, gardens and courtyards, the edges of roads and railways, urban areas, sports fields and recreational areas, playgrounds and green areas within the school buildings, and areas adjacent to health facilities.

In addition, the pre-harvest use of Glyphosate – a process known as desiccation- has been banned. The desiccation of crops by spraying glyphosate is a primary source for residual pesticide contamination at the consumer level. Finally, the non-agricultural use of glyphosate is banned on soils composed 80% or more of sand–a measure designed to protect groundwater from contamination.