EJF is delighted to report that the pesticide endosulfan has been accepted by the Stockholm Convention, as meeting scientific criteria that it is a persistent organic pollutant: a major step towards a global ban on this deadly chemical.

For the past 7 years, EJF has campaigned to raise awareness of the human and environmental cost of endosulfan, and the fact that the Convention’s review committee comprising scientific experts from across the world has now recognized that international action is needed on this is very welcome.

Why we need a global ban on endosulfan

  • Endosulfan is a highly toxic chemical, poisonous to most living organisms. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as “highly hazardous”.
  • Endosulfan is readily absorbed by humans by the stomach, lungs and through the skin. It can cause endocrine disruption in both terrestrial and aquatic species. Endosulfan is a neurotoxin (damages the nervous system); haematoxin (damages blood) and; nephrotoxin (damages kidneys).
  • Endosulfan has been linked to congenital physical disorders, mental disabilities and deaths in farm workers and villagers in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  • Endosulfan persists in the environment and has a great potential for bioaccumulation (to be concentrated in an organism faster than it can be lost).
  • Endosulfan’s environmental persistence enables transport far from its original source contaminating vulnerable species. For example it has been found in the blood and fatty tissue of polar bears.

The Stockholm Convention works to eradicate persistent organic pollutants, such as DDT, which have both immediate and long-term human health and environmental impacts. Listing a new chemical on the Convention involves a long process, and the Convention’s member governments will take a final decision on whether to include endosulfan on the list of prohibited or restricted chemicals when it meets in May 2009. The review committee faced fierce opposition to the listing from India, with support from China. The Indian Government owns Hindustan Insecticides, a major producer of endosulfan. In an unprecedented vote on Friday (17th) night, of 24 votes, 21 were in favour of accepting endosulfan on the listing, and 3 abstained. China and India abstained from the vote.

EJF is delighted by the final result, and over the next 7 months, EJF will work with international partners, companies and governments to secure a ban on endosulfan and international support for safe, sustainable alternatives. Please join us and help us to ensure a better future for people and wildlife – sign our petition on endosulfan and join up as a regular member