Unsafe Application of Pesticides and Dangerous Old Stocks

The technology used to spray pesticides in most developing countries reflects technical standards of 40 years ago, resulting in pesticides waste and environmental damage, says FAO, calling for the adoption of minimum standards for the safe and efficient application of agrochemicals through good quality equipment and a better training of farmers. In addition to problems of unsafe application, the large amounts of unused pesticides stocked in developing countries pose a serious threat to the environment and public health.

According to FAO, farmers and equipment operators have insufficient knowledge about pesticides and correct methods of application. Extension services rarely have technicians with any specialised knowledge of application technology. "In many countries the only specialists offering advice to farmers on application technology, handling and calibration of their equipment are representatives of pesticide companies," says Theodor Friedrich of the FAO Agricultural Engineering Branch. "Many farmers still believe in high volumes, high pressure and high doses, as the most appropriate way to apply pesticides."

In many countries, much of the spraying equipment is in extremely poor condition, Friedrich noted. Nozzles are normally not replaced and are even enlarged on purpose to achieve higher flow rates.

In Pakistan, according to FAO, about 50 percent of applied pesticides are wasted due to poor spraying machinery and inappropriate application. Many farmers were not trained in safety aspects and indiscriminate use of pesticides resulted in groundwater pollution.

In India, high levels of pesticide residues in food crops, compared to the world average, are reported. According to FAO this is an indication that pesticides were used in a wrong way. Although India has national standards for spray equipment, which are followed by the major manufacturers, there are still many small manufacturers serving local needs that do not comply with quality standards.

In Thailand, farmers so far have paid little attention to the proper use of pesticides, according to surveys. Training on spraying equipment was low. A study in Indonesia reported that 58 percent of manual spray equipment leaked. In Malaysia, the lack of training, the improper maintenance of spraying equipment and insufficient protective clothing are contributing to pesticide poisoning among spray operators. Pesticide residue in water was primarily due to excess pesticide use by farmers.

A report on Vietnam said that the supply of safe spray equipment was limited mainly due to the absence of national legislation and standards and a lack of training of operators. In the Philippines sprayer leakage is very common. The majority of farmers and equipment operators never receive any formal training prior to their first contact with pesticides and application equipment.

In Colombia, flowers are sprayed weekly with up to 6,000 liter per hectare and in Brazil application volumes of 10,000 liter/hectare in orchard crops have been reported. Application volumes of that kind cause run off and lead to soil and groundwater contamination. For efficient pest control with appropriate technologies less than 10 percent of these volumes would be more than enough.

"Technology allowing safe and efficient application of pesticides exists today and should be part of Integrated Pest Management. However, the application depends on the technical capacity, and the economic and cultural background of a country," Friedrich said. "To improve pesticide application, the introduction of good, standard quality equipment and operator training is essential and should be part of Integrated Pest Management."
He said that farmers could benefit from safe and more efficient pesticide application, saving large quantities of pesticides and money while achieving better pest control. The commercial sector could earn by providing technology, services and spare parts.

FAO has developed "Guidelines for the Basic Requirements for Pesticide Application Equipment" and "Standards for Pesticide Application Equipment" including test procedures. FAO suggests that incentives for improved equipment quality should be created. A certification system could be introduced on a voluntary basis by manufacturers using the certificate as a quality trade mark and for sales promotion.

FAO estimates that developing countries are holding stocks of more than 100,000 tons of obsolete pesticides, 20,000 of which are in Africa. Many of these chemicals are so toxic that a few grams could poison thousands of people or contaminate a large area. Among the highly toxic and persistent substances are DDT, Dieldrin and HCH (Hexachlorocyclohexane). Most of these pesticides are left over from pesticide donations provided by foreign aid programmes. In the absence of environmentally sound disposal facilities, stocks are constantly increasing. FAO is calling for a concerted global effort to dispose of this hazardous waste and to avoid further accumulations.

"Obsolete pesticide stocks are potential time-bombs," said Niek van der Graaff, head of FAO's Plant Protection Service. "Leakage, seepage and various accidents related to pesticides are quite common and widespread. Storage conditions rarely meet internationally accepted standards. Many pesticide containers deteriorate and leak their contents into the soil, contaminating groundwater and the environment. Most stores are in urban areas or close to public dwellings."

In Africa and the Near East, obsolete pesticides have become a source of great environmental concern, the report said. Some stocks are over 30 years old and are kept in poor conditions with few or no safety precautions. There is not a single country that is not affected by the serious environmental hazards associated with obsolete pesticides. Unless quick action is taken, the situation can be both catastrophic and irreversible, FAO said.

Over the years, an enormous variety of pesticides have been imported by developing countries as donations from aid agencies or governments. "Of the known total figure of $672 million-worth of pesticides imported into Africa in 1993-94, at least 40 percent, or $269 million-worth, might have been wasted," says an FAO report. Data from other regions show that the problem is not limited to Africa, but also exists in Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Common reasons for pesticide leftovers, include:

• the banning of pesticides that are still in storage;
• prolonged storage of products with a short shelf-life;
• difficulties in forecasting outbreaks of pests such as locusts;
• excessive donations (inappropriate, untimely and uncoordinated);
• late arrival of donations (out of season);
• inadequate storage facilities; lack of staff trained in storage management.
  

(FAO)