Endosulfan
- October 7, 2021
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Endosulfan
Subject – Environment
Context – Kerala govt. abandoned endosulfan victims: UDF
Concept –
- Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide that is being phased out globally.
- It became a highly controversial agrichemical due to its acute toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine disruptor.
- Because of its threats to human health and the environment, a global ban on the manufacture and use of endosulfan was negotiated under the Stockholm Convention in April 2011.
- The ban has taken effect in mid-2012, with certain uses exempted for five additional years.
- More than 80 countries, including the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, several West African nations, the United States, Brazil, and Canada had already banned it or announced phase-outs by the time the Stockholm Convention ban was agreed upon.
- It is still used extensively in India, China despite laws banning it, and few other countries.
- It is produced by Makhteshim Agan and several manufacturers in India and China.
- In India, a 2011 Supreme Court order has banned its production and sale until further notice.
Uses
- Endosulfan has been used in agriculture around the world to control insect pests including whiteflies, aphids, leafhoppers, Colorado potato beetles and cabbage worms.
- Due to its unique mode of action, it is useful in resistance management; however, as it is not specific, it can negatively impact populations of beneficial insects.
- It is, however, considered to be moderately toxic to honey bees, and it is less toxic to bees than organophosphate insecticides.
Hazardous Effects of Endosulfan
- It is highly toxic & has a large potential for bioaccumulation (substance does not leave the body).
- It has hazardous effects on human genetic & endocrine systems.
- Endocrine disruptor: enhances the effect of estrogens causing reproductive & developmental damage in both animals & humans.
- Delayed reproductive development
- Late sexual maturity
- Autism
- Neurotoxic: endosulfan destroys the integrity of the nerve cells.
Endosulfan in India –
- India was one of the biggest producers & consumers of endosulfan.
- After the toxicity of the pesticide came into limelight in 2001 in Kasargod District, Kerala banned it.
- In 2011, SC banned the production, distribution & use of endosulfan in India.
- SC also directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 500 crores as compensation to over 5,000 victims.
- Globally, the use of endosulfan is banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
- Endosulfan is listed under both Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
- Under pressure from pesticide firms, India sought remission on the ban for 10 years.
- India had agreed to phase out the use of endosulfan by 2017.