The
Colombian Government has banned a series of organochlorine pesticides,
including, BHC, dicofol, dieldrin, chlordane, ‘dodecacloro’ (mirex),
heptachlor and pentachlorophenol. The Colombian Health Ministry says that
organochlorine pesticides constitute a serious risk to the health of humans,
animals and to the environment because they are persistent, broad spectrum
pesticides with a high potential for accumulating in the fat of mammals and
humans. They are also generally considered toxic to the nervous system of
vertebrates. The Colombian authorities have found organochlorine insecticide
residues in human and bovine milk at levels greater than can be considered safe
to human health.
DDT not banned immediately
The use of DDT by the public health authorities in
campaigns against disease vectors will continue for one year up to 9 December
1994. Lindane formulated for use against parasites on the human body is
temporarily exempted from the ban, until a suitable alternative is found.
Endosulfan is also exempted until there is a suitable alternative against Hypothermus
hampei (coffee ‘broca’). The fact that organochlorines are widely banned
was cited as a justification for restriction in Colombia. However, dicofol,
endosulfan, lindane and pentachlorophenol are notable exceptions, still widely
being used throughout the world.
Elsa Nivia, RAPALMIRA, Colombia, 15
February 1994.
[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 23, March 1994, page 10]