In March this year, WWF Belgium, Inter-Environnement Wallonie (IEW) and Bond Beter Leefmilieu (BBL) voiced their concern over pesticides in the environment, and called for a reduction in use.
| Herbicides in Belgian rain water | ||
| Herbicide | A | B |
| atrazine | 21 | 1.62 |
| simazine | 25 | 0.19 |
| diuron | 35 | 3.43 |
| isoproturon | 23 | 1.66 |
| MCPA | 78 | 1.30 |
| 2,4-DNP | 82 | 2.33 |
| DNOC | 88 | 1.00 |
| dinoterb | 12 | 0.30 |
| A = Samples containing
detectable residues(%) B = Maximum concentration (µg/l) |
||
Pesticides in water
Of particular concern to the environment groups is
the issue of pesticide residues in water. They cited analysis carried out
between May 1992 and the end of 1994 by the Flanders-based Studiecentrum
voor Water (SVW). SVW conducted a detailed study of local herbicide
contamination of surface, ground and rain water (see below).
WWF say 'use less'
According to Krista Thomas of WWF Belgium: The
systematic breaching of the EU for several products threatens the quality of
drinking water in our society. Once contaminated, groundwater will remain
useless for many years. The precautionary principle must be given priority
in order to restore the protection humans and the environment.
WWF Belgium, IEW and BBL are
calling for a significant reduction in the use of pesticides and a shift
towards non-chemical pest control. In order to achieve this, specific
measures would include: a reduction in use by 50% within five years; a
reduction in emissions to air, soil and water; a reduction in the risks
posed to people and the environment.
WWF Belgique, IEW, BBL, press release,12/3/96.
[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 32, June 1996, page 17]