A study in 2000 by the United Nations International Labour Organisation found that 60% of rose workers in Ecuador suffered from pesticide poisoning. The study showed that workers suffered symptoms caused by pesticide poisoning, according to the report. Studies also found that women (70% of the workforce) were having more health problems because they were involved in the sorting of the flowers without wearing masks or latex gloves. Children under 18 years, a fifth of the workforce, demonstrated signs of neurological disorders 22% above average. According to recent tests of Ecuadorian roses, bought by a San Francisco supermarket, flowers contained traces of Aldicarb, a highly toxic and persistant insecticide which is banned in 13 countries. European consumers are only supplied with Ecuadorian flowers grown on farms under the "green label" programs following Germany's certified labour and environmental standards. These standards do not exist in the US which buys 70% of Ecuador's rose crop. Ecuador's flower industry is the 4th largest in the world (73% of production is of roses) employing 60,000 workers and valued at about Euro 250 million per year. "FlowerTech" www.HortiWorld.nl