India remained silent at Rotterdam Convention on listing Endosulfan for a ban. India besides Ukraine, Kyrgyz, Kazakh,Vietnam & Sudan had oppose the listing of Chrysotile Asbestos(White Asbestos) but later India accepted. Conference also decided to list alachor and aldicarb under the convention. Cuba expressed its views for technical and financial support to cede to the listing. Approx 40 chemicals have been listed in the convention till now.
Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, is a multi lateral treaty to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals. The convention promotes open exchange of information and calls for exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper labelling, including directions for safe handling and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or ban. The parties but are not bound and can decide to allow the importation or ban but the above guidelines are to be followed.
Detailed Information about these Chemicals
Alachor is used to mainly control annual grasses and broad leaf weeds in maize, soyabeans and peanuts. Classified as Class-III slightly toxic and banned in European Union since 2006. Causes potential damage to kidney, liver, spleen, lining of nose and eyeslids.
Aldicarb is a carbamate insecticide which is the active substance in pesticide Temik. Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse. It is effective against spider, mites, aphids, fleahoppers, but is primarily used as a nematicide(to control nematodes). Small dose to mammals cause nausea, blurred vision, headache, sweating. In case of poisoning victim dies of respiratory failure. Not approved for households- is used on several crops including cotton and beans. Importantly used in potato production as it is used to control soil borne nematodes and some foliar pests. Its weakness is high solubility in water so is restricted in areas where water table is close to the surface.
Chrysotile or White Asbestos, accounts for 95% of the asbestos in place in the US. It is considered to be carcinogen for humans. Chrysotile is resistant to even strong bases and thermally stable upto 550 ° C. Canada is a major producer so is opposed to the inclusion of it in to the list of convention. Studies by the National Institute of Occupational Health in Ahmedabad have shown that long-term exposure to any type of asbestos could lead to development of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma (a form of cancer).
Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide. Its acute toxicity, bioaccumulation and role as an endocrine disruptor has made it controversial for agriculture. Global ban on manufacture and use of Endosufan was negotiated in April 2011 Stockholm Convention. Ban is expected to be effective by mid 2012 with certain uses exempted till next 5 years. Used to control leafhoppers, colardao potato beetles, cabbage worms and whiteflys. It is neurotoxic to insects and mammals both. In Kasaragod it has also been linked to delayed sexual maturity in boys(decrease in levels of testosterone).
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