Editorial - Pesticides News 55

The UK government has recognised the potential danger of the 'cocktail effect' of pesticide mixtures (see p10). In the year 2000 it set up a Working Group to assess the impact of multiple exposure to chemicals which has now presented its draft findings and recommendations for public consultation, prior to final publication in June 2002. Although a UK report, the Working Group's analyses and conclusions are required reading for regulators worldwide, as few others have attempted such a challenging review. The draft report graphically outlines the paucity of collective knowledge on the possible adverse effects two or more pesticides may have on each other. There is a lack of research in the area, and a lack of clarity as to how the pesticide regulatory process will cope with the uncertainty of assessing the combination effects of pesticides. PAN UK is calling on the government to prioritise and provide a detailed action plan. Introduction of a pesticide use reduction programme would also reduce the need to examine the very large possible effects of pesticide combinations. 

PN reports on a catalogue of serious health impacts as a result of potato production in Ecuador. After more than a decade of analysis, researchers now advocate a strategy to reduce pesticide exposure risk, based on a combination of hazard removal, provision of alternative technologies and education. Health problems have also been identified in sugar cane farmers in Fiji (see p12). The Farmers there lack the information and training to reduce their dependence on costly and potentially harmful weed control strategies. International regulation is needed now more than ever, and three new pesticides have been added to the list of chemicals in the Prior Information Consent procedure under the new Rotterdam Convention (see p16). 

The Bhopal disaster on the night of 2-3 December 1984 is a continual reminder of the chaos caused when the industrial production of pesticides goes horrendously wrong. Over 20,000 people have died in Bhopal and many continue to die from illnesses directly attributable to the effects of the methyl isocyanate gas used to make two pesticides, aldicarb and carbaryl. Every year, on the anniversary, a victim support group organises a UK advertisement to raise funds for those suffering from the impact of the disaster. In December 2001 an overwhelming £40,000 was raised in small donations from Britain (see p9). PAN UK, who administers the fund as its contribution to Bhopal support, would like to thank all those who have contributed to the Bhopal Appeal.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 55, March 2002, page 2]