CHLORPYRIFOS : ENVIRONMENT

CHLORPYRIFOS : ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: India opposes inclusion of insecticide Chlorpyrifos at Stockholm Convention despite calls for ban

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

India opposed the inclusion of Chlorpyrifos under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, citing food security concerns and lack of alternatives, despite global efforts to phase it out due to health and environmental risks. Over 40 countries have banned the insecticide, which is linked to neurotoxicity and cancer.

1. News Context:

  • India has opposed the global ban on Chlorpyrifos at the recent Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions held in Switzerland.
  • The opposition came in response to a proposal to include Chlorpyrifos in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, which would require complete elimination of its use.

2. What is Chlorpyrifos?

  • Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used widely in agriculture and urban pest control.
  • It acts by inhibiting acetyl cholinesterase, an enzyme essential for nerve function, leading to neurotoxicity.
  • Health Impacts linked to prolonged exposure:
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders in children
  • Reduced birth size
  • Risk of lung and prostate cancer
  • Toxic to fish, bees, and other non-target organisms
  • Classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a moderately hazardous pesticide.
  • Over 40 countries have banned Chlorpyrifos due to health and environmental concerns.

3. About the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):

  • Adopted in May 2001 in Stockholm; entered into force in May 2004.
  • Objective: To protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
  • POPs are chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, accumulate in organisms, and have adverse health impacts.
  • Three Annexes under the Convention:
  • Annex A: Chemicals to be eliminated
  • Annex B: Chemicals to be restricted
  • Annex C: Chemicals to be minimized in terms of unintentional production
  • The Convention also allows for the establishment of dispute resolution mechanisms between member countries.

4. Global Steps Toward Phase-Out of Chlorpyrifos:

  • In 2021, the European Union nominated Chlorpyrifos for phase-out under the Convention.
  • In 2024, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) recommended placing Chlorpyrifos under Annex A, calling for elimination.
  • The committee, however, proposed limited exemptions:
  • Use in plant protection
  • Cattle tick control
  • Wood preservation
  • Several countries, including India, debated on these exemptions at the BRS Convention.

5. India’s Position and Concerns:

  • Chlorpyrifos has been in use in India since 1977, and was the most used insecticide during 2016–17.
  • India argued:
  • It is vital for agriculture in controlling pests in crops.
  • Crucial for urban pest control (cockroaches, termites).
  • Important in combating vector-borne diseases (e.g., mosquitoes).
  • Despite the health risks, India maintained that lack of suitable alternatives may threaten food security.
  • In 2024, a study found that 33% of food samples in India contained Chlorpyrifos residues.

6. Past Regulatory Review in India – Anupam Verma Committee:

  • Formed in 2013 to review 66 pesticides banned or restricted elsewhere but used in India.
  • Submitted report in 2015.
  • The committee acknowledged the toxicity of Chlorpyrifos to fish and bees, but did not recommend a ban at that time.

7. India’s Future Course and Environmental Strategy:

  • The Indian government is promoting natural and organic farming through the National Mission on Natural Farming, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
  • India may gradually reduce dependence on hazardous chemicals like Chlorpyrifos while strengthening sustainable agriculture.

8. Other Chemicals under Global Discussion:

  • Alongside Chlorpyrifos, discussions at the BRS Conventions include:
  • Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs)
  • Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) – both groups are under scrutiny due to their toxic and persistent nature in the environment.

 

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/india-opposes-inclusion-of-insecticide-chlorpyrifos-at-stockholm-convention-despite-calls-for-ban