|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 PAN International Website |
|
|
Pesticides
News No 57
The Journal of Pesticide Action Network UK
An international perspective on the health and
environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/September 2002
Developing country hazards
False steps to food security? 3
Many policymakers, agricultural scientists and economists believe that continued pesticide use is essential to increase crop yields for food security. A new PAN
UK study with African partners shows that pesticide reliance can undermine food security and farming livelihoods.
Stephanie Williamson reports.
New residue standards – learning to cope
6
Representatives from the horticulture export sector in Senegal have assessed the possible impact of the European Union’s Maximum Residue Level legislation on farmers.
Seynabou Sissoko of PAN Africa reports.
Villagers win temporary reprieve against endosulfan spraying
7
People in Kasaragod living within the range of a cashew nut plantation regularly sprayed with endosulfan have suffered appalling health effects for years.
Usha Jayakumar reports.
European regulation
EU pesticides clear out
8
Some 320 pesticide active ingredients will come off the market next year as part of the European Commission’s new approach to the evaluation of pesticides. The move comes as part of a measure to improve safeguards for the environment and human
health. By David Buffin.
‘Sustainable’ pesticides strategy for Europe
9
The European Commission is proposing that all EU countries adopt national pesticide action plans to reduce the use risk and dependence on chemical pesticides. European environmental groups welcome the proposals but warn that they lack the mechanisms to deliver effective reduction.
Catherine Wattiez reports.
Danish success with Pesticide Action Plans
10
The first Danish Pesticide Action Plan of 1986 had a difficult start, but later Plans have had a dramatic impact, and demonstrated that pesticide usage can be greatly reduced without a substantial increase in expenses.
Hans Nielsen reports.
Alternatives
New strategies for pest management options
11
Pesticide registration systems throughout the world largely rely on methods of analysing the risk of each pesticide independently of other options. Users have no means of knowing which chemical or product carries the least risk to health or the environment. A progressive new approach offers a different basis for regulating pesticides.
Christopher Stopes and David Buffin report.
Eastern Europe
Ukraine struggles with pesticides – women bear the brunt
12
Ukraine is largely an agricultural country. Women grow around 60% of vegetables, run the majority of the 12 million smallholdings, and form a significant part of the agricultural workforce. Intensive production remains the favoured policy, attracting the major agrochemical corporations. Yet pesticides have left a poor health and environmental legacy.
Tatyana Stefanovska and Valentina Pidlisnuk report on the need for safer production.
Pollution
Atrazine levels threaten frog populations
16
A recent US study established that levels of atrazine as low as 0.1 µg/litre (equivalent to 0.1 parts per billion) in water are sufficient to demasculinise frogs1. An analysis performed by the Environment Agency shows that 10 sites in England and Wales had concentrations of atrazine higher than this between March and June 2000. Computer modelling predicted a further 13 catchment sites affected.
By Roslyn McKendry.
Local Authorities
Quebec bans non-farm pesticides
17
The Canadian province of Quebec has announced new legislation banning non-farm pesticides. Several municipalities have taken similar action but this is the first province-wide ban.
Alternatives
Blocked opportunities for bio-control
18
Awareness of food safety and dangers of long-term toxicity have led to urgent demands for alternative plant protection systems. Biological controls provide solutions, but the present registration systems block their development.
Bernard Blum of the International Biological Manufacturers Association reports.
International news 19
Fact sheet
Carbendazim 20-21
Carbendazim is a fungicide of major concern due to its suspected hormone disrupting effects. It has been highlighted by Friends of the Earth as one of their ‘filthy four’ pesticides as it could be harmful to human health and the environment.
By Harriet Marshall.
Chemical news
Banned pesticide in German grain
22
Germany is embroiled in a major pesticide scandal. The herbicide, nitrofen, banned in the EU since 1988, has been found in stocks of wheat used to supply farms all over Germany.
By Roslyn McKendry.
Book reviews and resources
Industry updates – new Agrow reports 22-23