Why endosulfan should be banned in India.

Why Endosulfan should be banned in India?

There are a number of reasons to state Endosulfan should be banned globally. We are pointing out some of the reasons herewith.

1.     There are more than 150 health studies published in the international medical journals.  All these papers prove scientifically that Endosulfan causes serious health issues. The list of such papers is attached as Annexure- 1.

2.      In Kerala, the use of Endosulfan caused the death of more than 500 persons and around 5000 victims are living with serious health issues. The latest epidemiological study (2011) conducted by the Govt. Medical College, Calicut, Kerala has revealed the long term health issues caused due to Endosulfan.  

Major conclusion of the study

• The reproductive health events including infertility, precocious puberty, abortion, intra uterine death (IUD)/ still birth, neonatal/ child death were found significantly higher in study population when compared to control population.

• Among the youth population (below the age of 40-) the rate of surgery for any heart diseases , hernia and  genito urinary causes were higher in area study group  than control group.  

• When the  prevalence of  morbidity in adolescents were assessed  it was found that  any organ anomaly , birth defects, congenital heart disease, seizure, skin problems and reproductive disorders  were significantly higher in study group when compared to control groups.  The study report is attached as Annexure - 2.

3.     The United Nations 6^th POP Review Committee (2010) recommended the Global phase out of Endosulfan, by considering its long range environmental transport and significant adverse human health and environmental effects. UNEP also declared it as a Persistent Organic Pollutant. Endosulfan will travel a long distance through the water and pollutes the environment, where ever it reaches. The continuous use in any single country will affect the whole world and its environment badly. The report is attached as Annexure - 3.

4.     The previous experiences of banning dangerous pesticides have proved that such ban would not affect agricultural production in any way. It would only trigger the use of alternatives. BHC, a pesticide similar to Endosulfan was banned in 1996, without consulting with any states. At that time, the consumption of BHC was 40% of the total pesticide use. The then counter arguments were the same like broad spectrum used, cheap pesticide, no alternative, no scientific proof for health issues etc. But BHC was easily replaced by less harmful alternatives. An article on this attached as Annexure-4.

5.     81 countries have either banned or declared phase out of Endosulfan. 12 countries haven't even used it. All the nations those who banned it have done this based on the expert opinion and scientific papers. The list of nations is attached as Annexure-5.

6.     There is alternative for every single recommended use of Endosulfan in India. In Andhra Pradesh, Non-pesticides management program has been running over 2.3 million acres of land. More than 3000 villages are cultivating crops without any pesticide. The practical alternatives suggested by them are attached as Annexure-6.

7.     Field guide hand book published by PAN, an international environmental organization says "How to grow crops without Endosulfan".  A copy of the same is attached as Annexure-7.

8.     By considering a lot of long term scientific studies including NIOH study, the National Human Rights Commission has recommended for a complete Ban on Endosulfan within the country (2011) and to join the global phase out in the 5^th conference of parties of the Stockholm Convention. A copy of the same is attached as Annexure-8.

9.     The famous scientists including Dr.M.S.Swaminathan (advisory Board member of UPA Govt.) have already advised to ban Endosulfan.

10.            India had always kept its head high in Stockholm conventions, by declaring its bold stand to protect the environment. Any deviation from such stand will badly affect the reputation of the country among the international community.

Based on the merit of these facts, scientific papers and decisions, we humbly request the Nation to ban Endosulfan at the earliest. We also request to support the Global Ban on Endosulfan in the 5^th conference of parties of the Stockholm convention.