The Institute of Political Ecology and the
National Network for Ecological Action point out that pesticide imports into
Chile more than doubled between 1984 and 1996 from 5,500 to 13,000 tonnes. In
1993, Chilean environmental groups suggested that the government impose an
ecological tax on imported pesticides to finance the cost of repairing the
damage caused by pesticides(1).
At the time, Chile's Agricultural Minister and Deputy
Health Minister admitted that the 'improper use of pesticides' had caused
serious problems. The Deputy Health Minister warned that incorrect use can cause
genetic malformation in children and also admitted that most congenital
malformation related to pesticides occur in Chile's VIth region, a
predominantly agricultural region(2). Of the countries 13 regions, pesticide use
is particularly intense in Regions VI, VII and the Region Metropolitran (RM)
around Santiago. In these areas there is a high level of manual farm workers and
problems with exposure to pesticides.
Apple and pear industries
The Chilean fruit export business is very important to
the national economy, and these producers have responded to the requirements of
the Western market for 'quality' and quantity. This in turn has led to an
increase in the pesticides used.
Apple cultivation in Regions VI and VII covers about 28,000
ha, and pear cultivation in Regions RM, VI and VII covers about 13,625 ha. There
are 27 active ingredients listed for use on apples and 22 listed for use on pear
cultivation(3). Among the most hazardous pesticides used are: the
organophosphates (OPs)-azinphos-methyl, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos,
diazinon, dimethoate, methidathion, parathion, phosmet, vamidothion; the
organochlorine endosulfan; and the organotin cyhexatin. Many of the pesticides
have WHO classifications 'extremely hazardous'.
OP insecticides and herbicides dominate the market in Latin
America, and according to a WHO report, 10 to 30% of farmworkers tested showed
significant cholinesterase inhibition(4) which is an important biomarker of
exposure to OPs, although it is transient and effects vary between
individuals.
The main exposure route for farmworkers is dermal. Pregnant
women who continue to work in fields and orchards sprayed with pesticides run an
increased risk of exposing their unborn children. The apple and pear industries
are highly manual with the fruits being picked, sorted and packed by hand.
The whole question of correct storage, handling, mixing and
application of pesticides has to be addressed. Even if there are warnings and
instructions on pesticide containers, these are usually not in Spanish, and even
if they are, not all the workers can read and understand them. Empty containers
are frequently not disposed of correctly, or may be used for other purposes,
including carrying water.
Comparisons across Latin America
Figures on pesticide use have been produced by a
number of different sources including the Food and Agriculture Organisation(5).
The smaller countries such as Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago and Belize are the
most intensive pesticide users, but even where the per hectare application rates
are lower, persistent or hazardous pesticides, unsafe practices, or
geographically concentrated patterns of use can create significant exposure
risks. The use in Chile of 1.9 kg/ha of land is one of the lowest in Latin
America, but the concentration of usage in the regions around Santiago is
greater than the national average(6).
Legislating pesticide use
There are laws in Chile to regulate the production,
importation, registration, marketing, labelling and application of pesticides.
The responsibility to regulate, restrict and prohibit the manufacture,
distribution and applications of pesticides lies with the Agricultural and
Livestock Services. The Ministry of Health, through various departments, has a
role in controlling hygiene conditions, health of the labour force and security.
There are also controls governing domestic use, residues in food, the disposal
of toxic residues and preventing environmental contamination. No pesticide can
be imported or manufactured in the country without the authorisation of the
Director of the Health Service. Under an article in the code for work (Articulo
184 del Codigo del Trabajo), the employer is obliged to take all necessary
measures to protect the health of workers.
In spite of these laws and regulations in place to govern the
use of pesticides in Chile, there is no regular monitoring of workers for
problems associated with pesticide exposure, or monitoring of ground or surface
water for pesticide residues. A pilot scheme to monitor water for pesticide
pollution has been set up in one sector of Chile only. The authorities should
publish the results of this study in order to raise awareness among the public
to the dangers of misuse of pesticides.
Environmentalists have demanded that the government ban the
production and import of all pesticides which are banned by industrialised
countries because of carcinogenic concerns. They have also expressed concern
about unsustainable farming methods that cause soil degradation and erosion. In
addition many plants and pests appear to have developed resistance to some
pesticides so farmers tend to apply larger quantities of chemicals, more
frequently, thereby causing great risk to health and the environment.
Birth Defects
For some years, in the VI, VII and VIII regions,
health services have detected an increase in multiple birth defects, cancer and
other diseases among agricultural workers and their children.
According to Dr. Norman Merchak, Director of the Curicó
Regional Hospital, "In 1993, 44 children were born with congenital
malformations in the Curicó Regional Hospital." The same thing happened to a
large proportion of children in 1994. Almost all the parents of these children
had been exposed to pesticides, due to the fact that they worked in fruit
orchards, packing plants or lived close to them."(7)
Conclusions
The types and quantities of hazardous pesticides used
in Chile mean that farming in the apple and pear sectors cannot be sustained.
However, fruit exports are a very important part of trade for Chile, and the
requirements of the world market are demanding. In order to supply the export
market with the quality and quantity of produce required, there is a constant
belief that more pesticides need to be applied. The problems caused by pesticide
misuse are known, and there is a real concern in Chile to do something about it.
What is needed is better training and awareness of the dangers of pesticides,
and how to handle and store them safely. The pressures of the market place are
exacerbating the situation. Realistically, the need for training is not just for
the workers handling the pesticides, but also for the Western consumers who
increasingly insist on a perfect product with no blemishes. The price to pay for
this is increasing pesticide use in countries like Chile, and greater exposure
to hazardous chemicals.