Call to ban toxic organophosphates

Wednesday, 13 March 2002 10:00

Further scientific evidence provides the final nail in the coffin for the use of toxic organophospate pesticides, Total Environment Centre said today.

"It is time for the NRA to ban toxic organophosphate pesticides such as diazinon and chloropyrifos. This new study provides further proof that organophosphates are dangerous chemicals which should not be available to the public," said Ben Cole, chemicals campaigner.

The report published in the medical journal Lancet (2nd of March, 2002) showed that farmers were susceptible to chronic ill-health effects when exposed to organophosphates. Organophosphates are highly toxic pesticides that disrupt the central nervous system of animals.

"Two years ago the National Registration Authority, the federal body which governs the registration of agricultural chemicals, conducted a review on the use of diazinon, a widely used organophosphate. The review called for its ban in all domestic situations and around animals that produce milk for human consumption. The NRA must act immediately to introduce these recommendations and cancel the registration of diazinon," said Mr. Cole.

"Due to their highly toxic nature organophosphates also threaten the ecological health of our waterways. Sydney Water has made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of organophosphates entering our waterways, but until it is removed from the shelves it will continue to cause harm to the public and the environment".

TEC advocates for the use of integrated pest management strategies that can completely remove the need for toxic pesticides. Where pesticides are required least toxic pesticides should be used.