Pesticides News No 55
The Journal of Pesticide Action Network UK
An international perspective on the health and environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/March 2002 To Subscribe
Editorial Developing country hazards
Pesticide exposure and poisonings in Ecuador: A call for action 3
Pesticide use in the Northern Andes regions soared with the 'modernisation' of agriculture. Although yields have increased, so have poisonings, ill-health and deaths. The least effective strategy for reducing risk is personal protective clothing, while IPM has dramatically reduced pesticide use and maintained yields. From their work in the region, Stephen Sherwood, Charles Crissman and Donald Cole call for solutions based on removing the hazard and providing alternative technologies and education. Chemical news
Lindane campaign calls for a ban on the household use of lindane 7
The UK based Ban Lindane Campaign is calling for all lindane products to be taken off the shelves immediately, and for existing stocks to be handed in for safe disposal, after the tragic death of an eight-year-old Sussex girl. Alison Craig attended her inquest and reports on the findings. Developing country hazards
UK pesticides poison Red Sea port
8
A disaster hit the impoverished port of Djbouti when drums holding a highly hazardous chemical being exported from the UK to Ethiopia burst, adding up to 200 tonnes to the pile of obsolete pesticides in the region which need to be safely disposed. Mark Davis reports. Pesticide regulation
A cocktail of problems
10
The UK government is due to recognise concerns about the 'cocktail' effect of pesticide mixtures. A draft report distributed for public consultation prior to publication later in the year has confirmed a lack of understanding about the combined toxicity of mixtures of pesticides. Peter Beaumont and David Buffin report. Developing country hazards
Bittersweet harvest - herbicides and farmers health in Fiji
12
Sugar cane farmers in Fiji use high levels of herbicides, but remain unaware of the exposure hazards. Philip Szmedra explains the results of a recent study showing that farmers using pesticides have higher medical bills and poor health adversely affecting farm production. Farmers lack the information and training to reduce their dependence on costly and potentially harmful weed control strategies. Personal Protective Equipment use by farm workers in Ethiopia 15
Ethiopian state farmers are major users of pesticides. This survey by Yalemtsehay Mekonnen and Tadesse Agonafir of farmworkers who use PPE found it was difficult to wear and of variable effectiveness, but there was a high level of interest among workers. International regulation
Three deadly pesticides targeted for control
16
A committee of government-appointed experts meeting in Geneva in February concluded that three widely-used pesticides should be added to the international list of chemicals in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, making them subject to trade controls. Trade
Will Doha hinder sustainable agriculture?
17
The Doha round of talks in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ended with a loud trumpeting of success, but the reality for poor, small farmers in developing countries is likely to be very different. Agriculture
Roots of reform - a call for sustainable farming 18
Pesticide Action Network UK welcomes many of the overall recommendations contained in a report from the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, including some elements of a progressive pesticide policy. The members of the Commission, who came from a wide range of backgrounds, believe their experience in producing an agreed report, shows that consensus can be reached on a way forward for farming and food. David Buffin reports. News PAN news 19 Fact sheet 20-21
Dimethoate
One of the most widely-used insecticides in the world, dimethoate is a particular concern to those exposed occupationally during manufacture, formulation and use. It is acutely toxic, has possible links to cancer and is suspected of causing birth defects. Book reviews and resources 22-23 |