THE Consumers Association of Penang is shocked that the ban on the highly toxic weedkiller, paraquat, would be lifted.
This is in spite of calls from various concerned parties urging the government to not only maintain the existing prohibitions on paraquat, but to issue a final outright ban.
The reason for the decision is nothing short of ridiculous. Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus said: "We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, on its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the date is set for its total ban in November next year."
Studies done both globally and locally have already demonstrated the serious adverse effects of paraquat.
It is one of the most toxic herbicides to be marketed in the past few decades. There is no known antidote treatment for paraquat poisoning.
Health problems such as severe dermatitis, second degree burns, kidney failure and respiratory failure have been linked to this chemical.
It has also been known to damage the lungs, heart, kidney, adrenal glands, central nervous system, liver muscles and spleen, causing multi-organ failure.
In addition, paraquat has been associated with developmental and reproductive adverse effects, as well as links to skin cancer.
The Pesticide Board carried out consultations with the relevant government departments, the academia, the industry and researchers before it made a decision to ban paraquat in 2002.
There is no justification now to expose the whole country to this toxic chemical for the sake of conducting studies.
The government’s decision, and especially the Pesticide Board’s recommendation for the ban was a courageous move that was noted worldwide. The authorities should not waver in their decision.
CAP calls on the government to immediately overturn the plan to temporarily lift the ban this Nov 1. The arrangement for the ban should be followed through.
The public should join in by urging the government to not go back on its earlier decision to phase out paraquat.
There is no justification for jeopardising the health of the public by allowing the registration of paraquat for all crops to facilitate studies.
This is in spite of calls from various concerned parties urging the government to not only maintain the existing prohibitions on paraquat, but to issue a final outright ban.
The reason for the decision is nothing short of ridiculous. Pesticide Control Division director Nursiah Tajul Arus said: "We want to do an extensive study on paraquat, on its harmful effects and positive aspects, before the date is set for its total ban in November next year."
Studies done both globally and locally have already demonstrated the serious adverse effects of paraquat.
It is one of the most toxic herbicides to be marketed in the past few decades. There is no known antidote treatment for paraquat poisoning.
Health problems such as severe dermatitis, second degree burns, kidney failure and respiratory failure have been linked to this chemical.
It has also been known to damage the lungs, heart, kidney, adrenal glands, central nervous system, liver muscles and spleen, causing multi-organ failure.
In addition, paraquat has been associated with developmental and reproductive adverse effects, as well as links to skin cancer.
The Pesticide Board carried out consultations with the relevant government departments, the academia, the industry and researchers before it made a decision to ban paraquat in 2002.
There is no justification now to expose the whole country to this toxic chemical for the sake of conducting studies.
The government’s decision, and especially the Pesticide Board’s recommendation for the ban was a courageous move that was noted worldwide. The authorities should not waver in their decision.
CAP calls on the government to immediately overturn the plan to temporarily lift the ban this Nov 1. The arrangement for the ban should be followed through.
The public should join in by urging the government to not go back on its earlier decision to phase out paraquat.
There is no justification for jeopardising the health of the public by allowing the registration of paraquat for all crops to facilitate studies.
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