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Pesticides News No 32
The Journal of the Pesticides Trust
[now PAN UK]
An international perspective on the health and environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/June 1996
Features
The Colombian flower trade-success at a price 3
Flowers represent an important sector of the Colombian economy supplying many parts of world with attractive bouquets. The international demands of this business, providing pristine, blemish-free products, lead to an array of adverse health effects among the workers -some pesticide-related. Mary Matheson investigates the poor health and labour standards and the action to alleviate the problems.
Heavy OP poisoning toll in China 5
Shuyang Chen and Peipei Yao provide an overview of pesticide poisoning which persists as a serious problem in rural China. In 1995, 15,300 cases occurred during pest control activities, of which 91% involved organophosphate (OP) insecticides.
Sustainable agriculture
A three step framework for agricultural change 6
Using international examples Jules Pretty outlines the options available to help farmers move towards sustainable agriculture. Dramatic changes which enhance the environment can be achieved by taking many small steps. Nevertheless we should not be complacent, as there is much still to be done to encourage the redesign of farming economies.
Incentives are key-status of integrated farming in the Netherlands 9
The attitudes of the Dutch farming community towards integrated farming systems (IFS) is improving, although doubts remain because of restrictions and management requirements. Patricia Matteson andJet Proost argue that supportive regulations and financial incentives are important factors in developing sustainable agriculture. They confirm the importance of retail-level initiatives aimed at consumers, including labelling according to the level of pesticides applied.
Hazardous trade
International action against hazardous pesticides 11
This article explains developments at an international level to tighten regulation against hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, and analyses what changes might result from these steps. ByBarbara Dinham.
Disposal
Obsolete pesticides in developing countries 12
The level of obsolete pesticides in developing countries is increasing. This hazardous waste is often kept in sub-standard conditions which pose a threat to human health and the environment. Alemayehu Wodageneh and Harry van der Wulp recommend urgent action be taken to dispose of obsolete pesticides in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner. A start has been made through the FAO-organised disposal operations in Uganda and the Yemen.
Pesticides Trust [now PAN UK] resources
Residues 14
Health and the environment 15
Trade matters 16
Pesticides reduction 17
Third World hazards 17
European news 18
Small doses 18-19
UK news 19
Fact sheet - paraquat 20
Paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It has had a tarnished reputation because of its acute oral toxicity and ill-health associated with operators - particularly in the plantation sectors of many developing countries.
Timber treatment 22
Active ingredients 22
Book reviews and resources 23