Pesticides News No 23
The Journal of the Pesticides Trust
[now PAN UK]
An international perspective on the health and
environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/March 1994
Features
Chlorine Phase-out Gathers Momentum-Impact on the pesticide industry
In February President Clinton set in motion a long-term plan for the phase-out of chlorine in the manufacturing process, which has caused outrage among the industrial lobby. This move comes close on the heels of similar actions proposed under international conventions and agreements. While pesticides represent a small proportion of chlorine use, they are deliberately released into the environment. By Ann Link and David Buffin.
Endocrine Disruptors
There is increasing concern that some pesticides can mimic the action of animal and human hormones, which may result in malformations and cancers. This article calls for steps to avoid such an outcome. By Ann Link and David Buffin.
Training for IPM-Biological Control in Field and Forest 7
Integrated pest management (IPM) involves choosing appropriate elements from a whole range of pest control techniques (biological, cultural, genetic- i.e. plant resistance, behavioural, mechanical, and chemical) to suit individual cropping systems, pest complexes and local environments. Even where pesticides are included as a last resort as part of an IPM strategy, the emphasis is on rational use: suitable active ingredient selection and careful timing of application with regard to pest population levels. By Stephanie Williamson.
Methyl Bromide Update 11
At last November's Montreal Protocol meeting, 17 countries signed a declaration to cut consumption of methyl bromide by at least 25% by the year 2000, and to phase it out as soon as technically possible. In December the Italian parliament voted to phase out all uses of methyl bromide by 2000, and the USA adopted regulations to eliminate it by 2001. By Melanie Miller.
Farming the Environment: a review of LEAF farms 12
Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) was set up in 1991 to promote integrated crop management (ICM) through environmentally responsible farm practices and safe, good quality food production. By also sustaining economic yields, LEAF aims to demonstrate to the general public, through opinion-formers such as the media, educationalists, politicians, consumers and conservation groups, the responsible use of crop protection chemicals, including pesticides. By David Buffin.
Third World 10
10,000 Pesticide Deaths in China-and growing ecological devastation
More than 10,000 Chinese farmers died last year from poisoning by substandard pesticides, one sign of the ecological devastation Beijing is trying to fight with a new environmental action plan. "These chemicals have seriously affected agricultural production, reducing crop output contaminating farm produce and the environment," the official China Daily quoted an Agricultural Ministry spokesman as saying.
Environment 10
Small doses 13
Pesticide exports 14
MEPs Want Fundamental Review of Pesticide Export Policy
Concern over the lack of equity between internal chemical control standards and those for exports has led Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection to take action to block amendments to the existing Regulation.
New Export Proposals in the US
United States' pesticides exports of US$2 billion may be affected by proposed legislation, but Greenpeace believes further tightening is needed to prevent hazardous pesticides exports .
Carcinogen concern 15
Priority Pesticides at Cancer Agency
Court circular 15
Local Authority Policies Reduce Use
A number of UK local authorities have recently published, or are in advanced stages of developing, policies to control their use of pesticides. Their aim is to ensure that the demands of legislation controlling the use of pesticides are fully met, and to go further.
Pesticides Still Found in Water
Monitoring by Severn Trent Water has again demonstrated that non-agricultural herbicides are found as frequently as agricultural pesticides and often at high concentrations despite the relatively low quantities which are used in non-agricultural situations. This is predominantly due to the use of residual substances on hard surfaces.
Biocides-EU Proposals
Domestic disinfectants, sanitary biocides and preservatives used in paint are among a long list of products that will soon be regulated by a proposed EC Directive alongside domestic and public health insecticides, fungicides and other non-agricultural pesticides.
Reduction technology 19
Grain Protection without Pesticides
A US company has developed a flexible PVC 'envelope,' The GrainPro Cocoon (TM), which can store grain without the use of fumigants or insecticides, especially in the Third Word where effective safe use cannot always be guaranteed.
UK monitoring 20
European and US monitoring 21
Book reviews and resources 21-23
Reviewing Sustainable Agriculture - The good, the weak and the sensible
We review here a number of important books and reports which take up aspects of the discussions and pledges of Agenda 21. The UK government has published its strategy, which met with disappointment at the lack of specific policies and targets. With impeccable timing, the David Pearce team produced their blueprint for measuring economic development, while at IIED, an excellent report shows-with examples-that with political will, sustainable agriculture could be achieved in Britain.