An international expert scientific panel has concluded that the pesticide endosulfan is a persistent pollutant that requires global action to prevent further harm to human health and the environment.

The decision by the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee (POPRC) sets the stage for a global ban under the treaty.  The Australian delegation at POPRC supported moving endosulfan closer to a global ban.

The expert scientific panel acknowledged that endosulfan is persistent in the environment, that it is transported though the air to the Polar regions (including the Antarctic) where it bioaccumulates in the food chain, and is of such high toxicity that it is a threat to humans and wildlife.

“This decision puts the world on notice that the production and use of endosulfan must stop. Sixty four other nations have already banned endosulfan, but in direct opposition to the Australian delegation at POPRC, the regulator the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), is still defending the use of endosulfan in Australia“ said Jo Immig, Coordinator of National Toxic Network.

“India is the world’s largest remaining manufacturer of endosulfan and the Indian government owns a major endosulfan factory. A recent joint venture between Australian pesticide company, NUFARM and India’s Excel Cropcare will continue to manufacture endosulfan for the Australian market.

In Australia endosulfan is used on a wide range of crops including macadamia nuts, fruits and vegetables.

In what is now regarded as one of the world’s worst pesticide incidents, the aerial spraying of endosulfan on cashew nut plantations in Kerala, South India resulted in hundreds of deaths and chronic illnesses including birth defects of nearby villagers from exposure to endosulfan. Kerala has since banned endosulfan.

Endosulfan contaminates wildlife, human breast milk, women’s placentas, and even newborns. Endosulfan contaminates the broader environment where it moves steadily into colder regions, contaminating the Arctic.

The decision to move endosulfan closer to a global is especially critical for the protection of the health of the Arctic indigenous peoples who are exposed to endosulfan through their traditional foods such as fish, marine mammals and seabird eggs. Endosulfan also contaminates krill  and Elephant seals in the Antarctic regions.

For further information:

ABC Radio National Interview with Dr Mariann Lloyd Smith and the APVMA

International POPs Elimination Network
POP Review  Committee (POPRC)