A study carried out by the University of
Oldenburg for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Germany is highly critical of
the German pesticide licensing system, based on data from a sample of 18
pesticide active ingredients, including 2,4-D, isoproturon, parathion and
vinclozolin.
According to WWF campaigner Ulf Jacob, the study concludes:
"The authorities lack information of the pattern and intensity of the use of
each pesticide in practice. This is crucial to understanding their environmental
and health impacts. WWF are also concerned that half the pesticides studied are
classified as carcinogens in other countries but not under German law."
The study identifies faults in the grading and description of
the pesticides examined, and criticises the many data gaps on the effects of
individual chemicals. The German authorities do not take into account the
combined effects of several different pesticides used together. This is a
particular concern because many agricultural sprays are applied as mixtures of
pesticide active ingredients.
The study's author, Dr Olaf Hostrup is concerned about the
lack of comprehensive post-approval monitoring in Germany. " It is impossible
to understand how poisonous chemicals can be released into the environment
without systematic and obligatory supervision." He also criticised the lack of
transparency in the licensing system. "The present practice of licensing
pesticides does not allow for critical discussion in the scientific arena, which
would guarantee an objective assessment of the risks," he concluded.
As a result of the study WWF Germany has called for urgent
reform, particularly as Germany is now part of a European Union-wide pesticide
active ingredient review programme. WWF Germany is pressing the German
Agriculture Minister Mr Fluke to take on board all the concerns raised by the
study.
A critical assessment of the licensing
system for pesticides in Germany from a sample of chemical agents, (translated
from German) WWF-Fachbereich Meere and Kusten, Bremen, Tel +49 421 658 4614, www.wwf.de
[This
article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 42,
December 1998, page 17]