Acétamipride, a type of pesticide known as a neonicotinoid, has become a focal point in the debate surrounding the Duplomb law, which aims to regulate pesticide use in France. Concerns have been raised that acétamipride may be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, and these claims have been used by some politicians to oppose the law. However, the validity of these claims has been questioned by some experts. The French television program "Complément d'enquête," hosted by Tristan Waleckx, has examined the issue, consulting specialists on the potential toxicity of acétamipride. Fleur Breteau, a breast cancer survivor and founder of the association Cancer Colère, has been a leading voice in the opposition to the Duplomb law. Her emotional appeal to lawmakers, in which she called them "allies of cancer," gained widespread attention and became a pivotal moment in the debate. Left-wing elected officials, including Deputy Léa Balage El Mariky of Europe Ecologie Les Verts, have cited concerns about acétamipride's potential link to childhood cancers, citing scientific studies. Ségolène Royal, a former Environment Minister, also expressed similar concerns, stating that "the scientists say so, of course it is carcinogenic!" However, toxicologist Sylvie Bortoli, who participated in the last collective assessment by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), stated that acétamipride is not currently classified as a carcinogenic substance. She noted that while data on its potential to cause cancer are limited, there are warning signals that justify further research. Three studies have suggested possible links with breast cancer and liver cancer, but no link has been established with childhood cancers. Bortoli also raised concerns about acétamipride's neurotoxic effects and its potential impact on reproduction, similar to those of endocrine disruptors, which are substances that interfere with the body's hormone systems. Following the controversy, Deputy Léa Balage El Mariky acknowledged an error in her earlier post linking acétamipride to childhood cancers and removed the statement. Senator Duplomb, who supports the law, criticized the debate as "hysterical" and based on false information. Fleur Breteau, however, argues that the focus should not be on whether acétamipride causes cancer but on its overall toxicity, which she believes is enough to justify a ban. She expressed confusion over the specific focus on cancer, stating that if pesticides are harmful, they should be stopped regardless of the particular disease they may cause.