Obsolete Pesticides: Their Environmental and Human Health Hazards

Abstract

UN FAO estimates that half a million tonnes of obsolete pesticides are in storage world-wide. In Nepal there are 74.5 metric tonnes of obsolete pesticides stored in warehouses in many places of the country. Many stocks are located near farm fields, human settlements, schools or water sources. Lack of health related studies and very limited studies on environmental contamination by obsolete pesticides led to undertake this study, which focuses on health and environmental impacts of obsolete pesticides stored in a warehouse at Amlekhgunj, Bara district, Nepal. The present study found an interrelation between the pesticide residue level in soil samples of a nearby school-ground and the health impacts seen on the students of the same school. The government and concerned agencies should take out the initiatives to quick and safe disposal of obsolete pesticides and also take care that no new stock will be accumulated in the future.

Key words: Obsolete pesticides; Soil contamination; Health effects

The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 60-66