Paraquat - A Dangerous PoisonConcerns over the hazards of paraquat have prompted many countries to ban this herbicide. Paraquat has been a subject of a campaign by PAN International for decades as one of the "Dirty Dozen" pesticides that must be eliminated worldwide. Agricultural workers unions across the world, spearheaded by the International Union of Food and Agricultural Workers, also have been calling for a ban on paraquat for years. Farmers and agricultural workers exposed to paraquat during mixing and spraying often experience both immediate toxic effects and long-term health problems. Short-term health effects among paraquat users include eye injury, nosebleeds, irritation and burns to the skin and other parts of the body. Other symptoms of acute poisoning include nausea, vomiting or pains, and difficulty in breathing, and may develop with a delay of two to three days. Chronic exposure to paraquat can affect the lungs, nervous system or brain, skin and reproduction with possible birth defects. Epidemiological studies link the long-term exposure to low doses of paraquat to decreases in lung capacity and the herbicide was associated with an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease. Animal studies show that paraquat damages dopamine-producing brain cells; insufficient production of dopamine is known to be one of the major factors in the development of Parkinson's disease. Syngenta - A Threat to Sustainable Palm OilSyngenta AG is applying for Ordinary Membership status within the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which would give it voting rights within the body. The RSPO is an association created by organizations involved with the global supply chain for palm oil. With requests for sustainably produced palm oil coming initially from big buyers in Europe , the RSPO's principal objective is “development of a credible definition of sustainable palm oil production and implementation of practices that comply with this definition.” (See http://www.sustainable-palmoil.org/) Currently Syngenta is only an “Affiliate member,” a status that does not give them voting rights in RSPO processes. If Syngenta does gain voting rights, it will have greater ability to influence RSPO's processes. This attempt to become a voting member of the RSPO undermines the Roundtable's goal of promoting sustainable production of palm oil. Direct involvement in the RSPO of agro-chemical companies like Syngenta that produce and resist attempts to eliminate dangerous pesticides from global supply chains is a threat to workers' health and the environment. It would seriously undermine the credibility of RSPO in promoting "sustainable" palm oil production. Take Action — Ask RSPO to deny Syngenta's application! For more information: |
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