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Pesticides News No 38
The Journal of the Pesticides Trust [now PAN UK]
An international perspective on the health and environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/December 1997

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Editorial 2

Industrial safety
Accidents will happen - fires at chemical stores raise concerns 3
In recent months two explosions have occurred at two different pesticide stores around the world. Faramalala Raveloharifera reports on the background to the events in Madagascar, and David Buffin reflects on the wider implications of such accidents.

Third world
Ghana goes for IPM 4
Ghanaian farmers frequently expose themselves, their families and consumers of their produce to severe pesticide hazards, but the Ghanaian authorities are also taking a lead in implementing sustainable agriculture. Mark Davis reports on his findings from a recent visit.

Organophosphates
OP damage - judge agrees 6
On 17 October a High Court judgement found that John Hill, a farm worker from Peterborough, England, had suffered long-term injury through exposure to an organophosphate (OP) insecticide during the course of his employment. What implications does this case have for other OP users? Peter Beaumont reports on the case.

Timber treatment
Multiple hazards 8
Pesticide exposure victim, Margaret Reichlin, claims recent treatment of her property with a white spirit-based water sealant has released toxic chemicals from previous work carried out. David Buffin reports.

Global environment
End for methyl bromide 9
In September 1997, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was revised and signed by 160 countries. Governments agreed to phase out the use of methyl bromide early in the next century.

  • The future in our hands - A personal view of the Montreal meeting from John Gummer MP, the former UK Environment Minister

UK agriculture
Standards for food safety - Interview with the Minister of State 10
Jeff Rooker, Minister of State, with responsibilities for pesticides, is in the process of making profound changes to food policy enforcement. He discusses with David Buffin the priorities for action to maintain food safety and develop sustainable agriculture.

African alternatives
Networking for organic cotton 12
Pesticides Action Network (PAN) Africa hosted a regional workshop on Smallholder Organic Agriculture for Cotton Production in Senegal, 24-28 November. Barbara Dinham and Dorothy Myers attended and report back.

European directive
No patents on life! 14
The European Council of Ministers approved the proposed European Biotech Patent Directive on 27 November which will allow all living materials to be patented. As it now moves back to the European Parliament for a final vote, Liz Hosken reports on the controversy it raises.

International regulation
A toothless PIC? - Convention negotiations move slowly 15
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) opens the way for developing countries to control the import of banned or severely restricted pesticides. While based on information exchange, an efficient PIC system could reduce trade in the most hazardous chemicals. Barbara Dinham reports.

News
Pesticides in court 7

Occupational health 16-17
Application in Asia
The report is now available of a workshop on Safe and Efficient Application of Agro-chemicals and Bio-products held in May 1997, attended by high officials from government institutions of 13 Asian countries. This represented the first activity of an FAO programme addressing the major savings that could be achieved if pesticides were applied with good quality equipment, in good working conditions, and by trained applicators.

Latest research - health effects up-date
The International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) held its 12th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health in Harare, Zimbabwe between 16 and 19 September 1997. The meeting offers an international platform to exchange knowledge about occupational epidemiology. One of the symposia at the conference on pesticides was co-organised with the ICOH Scientific Committee on pesticides through its chair, Professor Maroni of Italy.

Health concern for Kenyan farm workers
Grace Ohaya-Mitoko has assessed the health hazards posed by pesticide handling, storage and use on agricultural estates and small farms in selected communities in Kenya.

Local authorities 18
 IPM for beds and borders
An increasing number of local authorities are beginning to question their use of pesticides and many of them are seeking information about alternative methods for managing pest problems.

UK News 19

Fact sheet - Monocrotophos 20-21
Monocrotophos is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide, developed by Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) and first registered in 1965. It is a hazardous chemical especially for conditions of use in developing countries.

Small doses 21

Book reviews and resources 22-23

International news 23

 
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