Stop Paraquat
Paraquat: Unacceptable health risks for users (08.12.05)
This extensive review of the impacts of paraquat, largely from peer-reviewed studies, concludes that the pesticide causes daily suffering to millions of workers.
Problems resulting from paraquat exposure are found around the world: rom the United States to Japan and from Costa Rica to Malaysia. The injuries suffered are debilitating and sometimes fatal. Associated chronic health problems are now being identified. In developing countries in particular, paraquat is widely used under highrisk conditions. Problems of poverty are exacerbated by exposure to hazardous chemicals, as users have no means to protect themselves. Personal protective equipment is not available; it is costly and impossible to wear in hot working conditions. Loss of wages or income from illnesses caused by occupational exposure to pesticides is rarely compensated. While education, training and information are urgently needed to avoid poisonings, the basic problem is the use of high-risk chemicals like paraquat under poor and inappropriate conditions.
The report concludes that alternatives are available and their
implementation must become a priority, along with a phase out of paraquat.
The World Health Organization should reassess the hazard classification of paraquat.
Problems resulting from paraquat exposure are found around the world: rom the United States to Japan and from Costa Rica to Malaysia. The injuries suffered are debilitating and sometimes fatal. Associated chronic health problems are now being identified. In developing countries in particular, paraquat is widely used under highrisk conditions. Problems of poverty are exacerbated by exposure to hazardous chemicals, as users have no means to protect themselves. Personal protective equipment is not available; it is costly and impossible to wear in hot working conditions. Loss of wages or income from illnesses caused by occupational exposure to pesticides is rarely compensated. While education, training and information are urgently needed to avoid poisonings, the basic problem is the use of high-risk chemicals like paraquat under poor and inappropriate conditions.
The report concludes that alternatives are available and their
implementation must become a priority, along with a phase out of paraquat.
Key recommendations
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The World Health Organization should reassess the hazard classification of paraquat.
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«Paraquat: Unacceptable health risks for users» (1.2 MB) |
