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Pesticides News No 42
The Journal of the Pesticides Trust
[now PAN UK]
An international perspective on the health and environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/December 1998
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Editorial 2
On 3 December 1998 the global Pesticide Action Network (PAN) launched the NO Pesticides Use Day in commemoration of the hundreds who died, and the thousands who suffered the disaster at Bhopal. The Day draws attention to the life threatening impacts of chemical pesticides on people and the environment. The alarming consolidation of the pesticides and seeds industries and the aggressive marketing of herbicide-resistant crops is leading to a dramatic increase in pesticide use in developing countries, and an accelerated dependence on pesticide use world-wide. Poster Campaign
Organophosphates
Doctors report on OPs 3
A long-awaited report from a joint working party of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has said that illness from chronic organophosphate OP exposure is genuine and that symptoms must be taken seriously. Alison Craig reports.
Industry focus
The pesticide business - impact on food security 4
Trade liberalisation is leading to intensified production of crops for export in developing countries. A recent conference of the Asia-Pacific Peoples' Assembly (APPA)1 in Malaysia heard how neglect of local production of food crops, and the availability of cheap grain from subsidised US and European surpluses, are undermining food security in the region. Barbara Dinham reports.
Genetic engineering
Biopesticides join the pesticide treadmill 6
Until recently, many people hoped that farmers could replace many of the more dangerous chemical pesticides with the careful use of biopesticides. But that hope is now being dashed by the genetic engineering industry which is actively exploiting the regulatory mess created between the US and the European Union. Robin Jenkins reports.
Hazardous trade
Prior Informed Consent - a long haul to gain accountability 10
In September 1998, governments agreed a new treaty to help governments prohibit imports of certain hazardous pesticides. The struggle to achieve the Convention has been long. Peter Hough, author of a new book on the Global Politics of Pesticides, reports.
US delays phase out for ozone depleting methyl bromide 11
A year on from the 1997 Montreal Protocol meeting where 167 nations signed an internationally binding agreement, concerns are still raised about the fate of the ozone-depleting fumigant methyl bromide. Janet Byron reports on possible back-sliding by the US on phase out dates, and the latest developments at the European Union.
Organophosphates
Trouble in store 12
Organophosphate sheep dip can poison farmers, but the effects of other OPs are less well documented. Pirimiphos-methyl is one of these: nearly everyone in arable farming is aware of its use, but few would admit that it is as controversial as OP sheep dips. John Harvey reports.
News
Organic news 8
Top cotton researchers ignore adverse impacts of genetic engineering
The World Cotton Research Conference in Athens attracted delegates from more than 50 countries but papers demonstrated the lamentable lack of investment in research for ecological farming.
- New from the Pesticides Trust [now PAN UK] - a unique overview of organic cotton
- Organic textile standards set
Integrated pest management 9
Hijacking IPM - intensive chemical use competes with sustainable options
There is increasing debate about the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). The pesticide industry promotes pesticides and the sale of genetically modified crop seeds as compatible with IPM programmes, whilst environmentalists argue for a sustainable approach.
Organophosphates 14
- Northern Ireland forum calls for moratorium on OP sheep dip use
- Concerns over committee's remit
- Poor use of protective equipment
UK news 15
Small doses 15
Chemical news 16
Environmental impact of chemicals
Pesticides form an important part of general synthetic chemical release into the environment. Three recent papers on chemical fate paint an alarming picture of chemical build up and lack of regulatory capacity.
European news 17
- First Euro food residue results
- Europe proposes stricter rules on residues in baby foods
- WWF slams German licensing system
Persistent organic pollutants 18
POPs contaminate Arctic polar bears
A new intergovernmental study of pollution in the Arctic has reported on concerns about levels of many persistent organic pollutant contaminants, and recommends that emission controls are an essential prerequisite to reduce exposure to humans and to protect wildlife.
Fact sheet - Least toxic control for house dust mite 19
With dust mite products often including chemicals, this article looks at the actives registered for use in the UK and the non-chemical control options.
Fact sheet - Glufosinate ammonium 20
Glufosinate is produced by AgrEvo, a joint venture established by the German chemical corporations Hoechst and Schering. Current usage levels raise concern because of the marketing of genetically engineered crops resistant to this herbicide.