Press release
8 December 2005

Compilation finds increased identification of hazardous pesticides

Pesticide Action Network UK has updated and fully revised its popular 'List of Lists' briefing. This unique publication provides a single reference point for information on pesticides associated with particularly harmful health or environmental impacts. It includes the pesticides covered by international conventions and identifies the pesticides now banned in Europe. It lists pesticides identified as endocrine disruptors, cancer suspects, those that are extremely or highly acutely toxic, and other risk categories.

Since the List of Lists was published in 2002, the European Union has added over 60 pesticides to their list of possible endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can lead to birth defects, sexual abnormalities and reproductive failure. In spite of this, the four official sources quoted (UK and German Environment Agencies, the European Union, and the OSPAR Convention) agree only on four of more than 80 pesticides: atrazine, DDT, lindane and tributyltin. Regulatory agencies have identified an additional 20 pesticides that may cause cancer.

The World Health Organisation indicates that 13 of the most acutely toxic pesticides have become obsolete since 2002. There are now 52 pesticides that are banned or severely restricted in Europe, in addition to over 320 that have come off the market for economic or other reasons.

This new version includes all the 'risk phrases' used to indicate concerns on pesticide product labels, and the main websites to follow up for official or robust pesticide information.

The 'List' is compiled primarily from official sources, but it includes two from public interest organisations. The PAN Dirty Dozen and the World Wide Fund for Nature endocrine disrupting chemicals lists have both been influential in establishing an early warning on pesticide hazards, and have drawn attention to hazards ahead of regulatory processes. It is an essential reference guide for those concerned with pesticides or chemicals in the environment and their impacts on health.

The List of Lists - A catalogue of lists of pesticides identifying those associated with particularly harmful health or environmental impactswcan be downloaded free from the PAN UK website at www.pan-uk.org/Publications/briefing/list of lists 2005.pdf Or send £2.50 for a printed copy.