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 PAN International Website |
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Pesticides
News No 62
The Journal of Pesticide Action Network UK
An international perspective on the health and
environmental effects of pesticides
Quarterly/December 2003
Cotton
The high cost of
pesticide poisoning in northern Ghana 3
Many cotton farmers are caught in a poverty trap which has worsened
significantly over the last 10 years. Household income has fallen not only
because of the increasing cost of inputs but also because of large medical bills
incurred for health problems caused by the pesticides used on the cotton crop.
Symptoms are serious and often need hospital treatment. Anita Hodgson
reports on interviews with thirty farmers in Northern Ghana.
Organic cotton in sub-Saharan Africa 4
Certified organic production of cotton is a recent activity in sub-Saharan
Africa, starting in the mid-1990s in Uganda and Tanzania, and followed by
countries in West and Southern Africa. Peter Ton describes recent developments and elaborates on the outcomes of the African organic cotton
research carried out by PAN UK and African partners.
The ‘Hope of Koussanar’ 7
Founded in 1994, the Koussanar organic cotton project
is the smallest in Africa – in cotton production terms. However, it appears to
be a runaway success in other ways. Simon Ferrigno reports on recent
encouraging developments and changes in farming families’ lives.
 |
Mrs Balde picking cotton in her husband’s field at Velingara in Senegal, November 2002. Photo: Julienne Kuiseu/PAN Africa |
Senegal cotton farmers learn to cut chemical
costs through IPM 8
In recent years the Senegalese cotton sector has become less profitable on
account of increases in pesticide costs. These higher costs have resulted in a
significant increase in farmer debt, with many deciding to stop growing cotton
altogether. PAN Africa started IPM training in August 2000 to address these
problems. Julienne Kuiseu, Mourtada Thiam and Abou Thiam describe
the process.
Alternative products
A new approach to pest control in food crops
10
The European consumer is increasingly demanding that food is produced with
minimal inputs of synthetic pesticides. A simple reduction in pesticides use
must be accompanied by the introduction of alternative safer methods of pest
control. There have been promising developments in pest control strategies
utilising pheromones and other biological control agents reported here by Roslyn
McKendry.
Pesticide free weed control 11
A new benign technology for weed control involves application of hot water
and foam. Obvious health and environmental benefits include eliminating
pesticide exposure at source and preventing pesticide run-off into water
courses. This new technology has advantages over earlier versions of the system
and should allow broader uptake in the UK.
Developing country hazards
Facts on DDT use in Ethiopia 12
DDT is being phased out internationally under the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). It is no longer permitted for use in
agriculture, but several countries still rely on DDT for the control of mosquito
vectors of malaria. Hadera Gebre Medhin reports on a fact-finding survey
in Ethiopia to see whether DDT is being used according to World Health
Organisation guidelines.
Disposal
Independent monitoring – a role for NGOs
14
As the Africa Stockpile Program nears official ‘kick off’, the need for
independent monitoring of obsolete pesticide projects is generally acknowledged.
The possible role of NGOs as monitors is receiving increased attention in many
participating countries. PAN UK has recently completed its task as
independent monitor of the Ethiopia Obsolete Pesticide Project. Jane Worner
reflects on the benefits of the experience.
Legal challenges
US law on pesticides reinterpreted to protect
manufacturers 15
The Bush administration has adopted a new policy that aims to cut off
farmers’ ability to sue the manufacturers of insecticides and herbicides when
their products fail to perform as promised.
Canadian farmers legal action against Monsanto
15
Further developments in claims by organic farmers on canola and wheat:
Canadian farmers are aiming for class action on losses arising from the
introduction of GM canola.
Court finds DuPont
product responsible for birth defects 16
A US court has awarded damages to John Castillo, who was born in June 1990
with no discernable eyes. The chemical company DuPont, who markets the product,
was held responsible. Similar cases have occurred in heavily sprayed areas in
the UK. Alan Care provides the background.
Chemical news
Government report claims Bayer pesticide linked to bee-deaths
17
A new French report has found a significant risk to
bees from a Bayer product containing the active ingredient imidacloprid.
EU regulation
EU pesticide review leads to further product
removals 18
The European Union removed a large number of
pesticides from the market in July 2003 and is set to withdraw many more by the
end of the year. A new report from the UK regulators has called for urgent
development of safer alternatives.
EU failure to ban paraquat 18
The European Union will allow continued sales of paraquat. But public
interest groups, trade unions, and some Member States still want to see this
herbicide banned.
Atrazine and simazine banned in the EU but
‘essential uses’ remain in the UK 19
Atrazine and simazine have failed the EU review
process because of the continuing risk they pose to groundwater and the length
of time needed for groundwater recovery.
Aldicarb ruled ‘essential’ by EU review 20
Acutely toxic pesticides continue to be used in
situations where health risks are high, the impact on wildlife is devastating
and on-site public information is not a legal requirement. Alison Craig reports.
International regulation
Governments vote for tougher action on acutely
toxic pesticides 19
A major new effort is needed to protect pesticide users and their communities in
developing countries from pesticide poisoning. This was the outcome of a
discussion at the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) held in
Thailand from 1-7 November.
Health
Human health monitoring of pesticide-related disease in the UK
20
The UK government’s Advisory Committee on Pesticides
(ACP) has taken almost a year to consider how current systems for human health
monitoring of pesticide-related disease can be improved. The actions now
proposed do not go far enough in tackling either acute or chronic incidence.
Sulphuric acid animal hazards 20
There is concern over the heavy use of sulphuric acid
and the impact this has on wild and domestic animals in the UK.
Fact sheet
Imidacloprid
22
Imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide with relatively low human toxicity. It
has raised concerns because of its possible impact on bee populations, ability
to cause eggshell thinning in birds, and reduced egg production and hatching
success.
Book reviews and resources 23