Disposing of obsolete pesticides
As the accumulation and bad management of obsolete pesticides in addition to other hazardous chemicals constitutes a threat for health and environment at all levels in the world. Reports indicate that millions of tons of obsolete pesticides are accumulated especially in developing states. Most of them carry persistent organic pollutants POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) that possess toxic properties and are transported, through air, water and migratory species, across international boundaries. Regular international conventions on environment plead for protection of human health as well as the environment by taking practical measures which will destroy stockpiled hazardous chemicals and eliminate emissions. These conventions acknowledge that there is an urgent need for environmentally sound destruction of hazardous chemicals and those developing countries need to strengthen their national capabilities for safe management and disposal. Pakistan does hold a major stock of obsolete pesticides. The main hazard associated with these pesticides is their acute toxicity. There are approximately 6033 MT obsolete stocks of POPs pesticides with major stocks situated in areas of intensive cash crops/agricultural activities. Since stockpiles are located in towns or villages and near water bodies, they carry potential human health and environmental risks. Before suffering the worst flooding in a century, the govt of Pakistan had unveiled a plan to eliminate POPs pesticides stockpiles in the country. It aimed to safely store and ultimately eliminate the 6030 metric tons of obsolete POPs containing pesticides from 425 identified sites by 2012. The stocks, having been held for around two decades or more, are now in a dilapidated condition, with considerable leakage, and pilferage. There is apparently some evidence of contaminated wells followed by repeated complaints and concerns from the local communities. Pakistan is signatory to the Stockholm Convention on POPs. Islamabad has proposed a national implementation plan which outlines programmes required to meet obligations under this convention. This plan aims to eliminate POPs pesticides, with rational management of obsolete stockpiles. The action plan envisages safe disposal of POPs by 2012, and rational management of obsolete stocks/contaminated sites by 2015. It is a positive sign that Pakistan is regularly showing its concerns to this sensitive issue that needs proper and immediate attention of the world states. This Convention binds especially all the signatories to this fully implement the aims and objectives of the protocol as this issue carries the potential to endanger the human health in many parts of the developing states.
As the accumulation and bad management of obsolete pesticides in addition to other hazardous chemicals constitutes a threat for health and environment at all levels in the world. Reports indicate that millions of tons of obsolete pesticides are accumulated especially in developing states. Most of them carry persistent organic pollutants POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) that possess toxic properties and are transported, through air, water and migratory species, across international boundaries. Regular international conventions on environment plead for protection of human health as well as the environment by taking practical measures which will destroy stockpiled hazardous chemicals and eliminate emissions. These conventions acknowledge that there is an urgent need for environmentally sound destruction of hazardous chemicals and those developing countries need to strengthen their national capabilities for safe management and disposal. Pakistan does hold a major stock of obsolete pesticides. The main hazard associated with these pesticides is their acute toxicity. There are approximately 6033 MT obsolete stocks of POPs pesticides with major stocks situated in areas of intensive cash crops/agricultural activities. Since stockpiles are located in towns or villages and near water bodies, they carry potential human health and environmental risks. Before suffering the worst flooding in a century, the govt of Pakistan had unveiled a plan to eliminate POPs pesticides stockpiles in the country. It aimed to safely store and ultimately eliminate the 6030 metric tons of obsolete POPs containing pesticides from 425 identified sites by 2012. The stocks, having been held for around two decades or more, are now in a dilapidated condition, with considerable leakage, and pilferage. There is apparently some evidence of contaminated wells followed by repeated complaints and concerns from the local communities. Pakistan is signatory to the Stockholm Convention on POPs. Islamabad has proposed a national implementation plan which outlines programmes required to meet obligations under this convention. This plan aims to eliminate POPs pesticides, with rational management of obsolete stockpiles. The action plan envisages safe disposal of POPs by 2012, and rational management of obsolete stocks/contaminated sites by 2015. It is a positive sign that Pakistan is regularly showing its concerns to this sensitive issue that needs proper and immediate attention of the world states. This Convention binds especially all the signatories to this fully implement the aims and objectives of the protocol as this issue carries the potential to endanger the human health in many parts of the developing states.
No comments:
Post a Comment