UN released a new list of dangerous agrochemicals

Submitted by bashun on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 16:55

Specialists of the Chemical Review Committee of the United Nations Rotterdam Convention at a meeting at FAO headquarters revealed a new list of four hazardous chemicals for human life and health, including two pesticides.

The meeting was attended by chemical experts from all regions of the United Nations. The purpose of the meeting is to protect human health and the environment, as well as help governments make informed decisions on trade in pesticides and industrial chemicals, fao.org reported.

The Committee presented a list of 4 hazardous chemicals for human life and health:

- pesticide acetochlorine, which is used as a herbicide for corn. This substance is very toxic and poses a threat to birds and non-target plants;

- pesticide phorate is widely used to protect against insect pests crops of cotton, potatoes, coffee, beans and corn. This chemical, even at low doses, can lead to death. Experts already know the deaths among agricultural workers exposed to this active component.

Hazardous chemicals also include:

- industrial chemical hexabromocyclododecane used in the production of fire retardants and insulation materials made of expanded polystyrene;

- industrial chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA compounds, which are widely used for the production of non-stick surfaces, surface treatment agents for textiles, paper, paints and fire-fighting foams.

It is noted that a decision on the list of these chemicals will be taken at subsequent meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP). The next meeting will be held in Geneva from April 29 to May 10, 2019.

According to Martin Novella, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions of Carlos, these recommendations will contribute to the overall objectives of the conventions for protecting human health and the environment.

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