Toxics, Pesticides and Hazardous Waste
The information in the Information Newsletters is based on data from Both ENDS’ database of organisation profiles. Maintenance of the database is part of Both ENDS’ ongoing service to environmental organisations in the South, the countries of Central and (South) Eastern Europe, as well as the Newly Independent States.
Pesticides
Pesticides
are chemicals used to control, to repel, to attract or to kill pests, for
example, insects, weeds, birds, mammals, fish, or microbes, that are considered
a nuisance. Pesticides are usually, but not always, poisons.
Molluscicides
are pesticides used to control molluscs, i.e. slugs and snails.
Insecticides
are pesticide whose purpose is to kill or to prevent the multiplication of
insects.
Fungicides are pesticides for destruction or development prevention of fungi.
PTSs are toxic chemicals that take a long time to break down, if ever, into harmless substances in the environment. These substances do not go away. They remain in the environment for long periods of time. They accumulate in the tissues of plants and animals, particularly those high on the food chain. These chemicals can cause disease, cancer, genetic mutations and reproductive problems in living things.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
PCBs
are a group of synthetic organic chemical compounds consisting of chlorine,
carbon and hydrogen. PCBs are very persistent in the environment, since they
are very resistant to biodegradation. They are fat soluble, and tend to
accumulate in organisms, with those highest in the food chain being most
affected.
Herbicides are pesticide used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides kill certain targets while leaving the desired crop relatively unharmed. Some of these act by interfering with the growth of the weed and are often based on plant hormones. Herbicides used to clear waste ground are nonselective and kill every plant with which they come into contact.
Aquatic herbicides are chemicals specifically formulated for use in water to kill or control aquatic plants.
Bioherbicides are based on a living organism, such as fungi, bacteria or protozoa (a bioherbicide based on a fungus is called a mycoherbicide).
Hazardous
wastes are any solids, liquids, or gaseous byproducts that pose a significant
hazard to human health or the environment when mishandled.
Chemical safety is the prevention of the adverse effects, both short- and long-term, to humans and the environment from the production, storage, transportation, use and disposal of chemicals.
PAN
Pesticides Database
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Index.html
The
PAN Pesticides Database is the main gateway for current toxicity and regulatory
information about insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides. It provides a
comprehensive collection of data sources with an alphabetized chemical list
(chemical search); a product search tool; information about international
pesticide registration; aquatic ecotoxicity; a pesticide tutorial and reference
list; and links to other resources.
http://www.fadinap.org/pesticide
The information in this database was compiled compiled between 1992 and 1996. It may be out of date in some areas (e.g. Maximum Residue Limits and Acceptable Daily Intake) but it still constitutes a good source of information on pesticides used in Asia. It puts pesticides widely used in Asia in a direct relationship with their environmental and health effects. The database also provides information on environmentally friendlier alternatives of crop protection, e.g. through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods.
The EXTOXNET InfoBase (maintained by several American universities) provides a variety of information about pesticides. It contains Pesticide Information Profiles (PIPs) for specific information on pesticides; Toxicology Information Briefs (TIBs); Toxicology Issues of Concern (TICs), factsheets, news about toxicology issues, newsletters, resources for toxicology information, and technical information.
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov
or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/toxnetfs.html
TOXNET
is a cluster of databases covering toxicology, hazardous chemicals,
environmental health and related areas. It is managed by the Toxicology and
Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) of the US National Library of
Medicine. TOXNET provides free access to and easy searching of numerous
toxicology databases.
The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a network of over 600 participating NGOs, institutions and individuals in over 90 countries working to replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically sound alternatives. Its projects and campaigns are coordinated by five autonomous Regional Centers: Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Website: http://www.pan-africa.sn
PAN Africa coordinates PAN’s Regional Center for Africa (established in 1996). PAN Africa involves volunteers, NGOs, farmers organisations, institutes, universities and individuals who support the adoption of sound ecological practices in place of dangerous chemical pesticide use all around the world.
PAN Africa publishes three issues per year of Pesticides & Alternatives, a newsletter on pesticide news, alternatives to chemicals, integrated pest management as well as sustainable agriculture.
PAN Africa hosts the Resource Centre on Chemical pesticides, IPM and sustainable Agriculture which possesses 476 catalogues, 1081 articles, over 103 periodicals, several reports and studies written in French, English and Spanish.
Contact information:
Visit address: Sicap Amitié I villa N° 3018, Dakar
Mail address: BP 15938 Dakar-Fann, Dakar, Senegal
Phone: +221-825.49.14; Fax: +221-825.14.43
E-mail: panafrica@pan-africa.sn
Website: http://www.panap.net
PAN AP coordinates the PAN's Regional Center for the region. PAN Asia and the Pacific believes in people-centred, pro-women development through sustainable agriculture and is committed to protect the safety and health of people and the environment from pesticide use and genetic engineering. PAN AP intends to achieve its goals by empowering people within effective networks at the Asia Pacific and global levels.
Contact information:
Visit address: 54 Lorong Batu Uban Satu Taman Century, 11700 Gelugor
Mail address: P.O. Box 1170, 10850 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60-4-6570271 / 6560381; Fax: +60-4-6583960
E-mail: panap@panap.net
PAN Europe is a network of European NGOs promoting sustainable alternatives to pesticides (established in 1983). A major focus of PAN Europe's work involves initiating Europe-wide measures to facilitate a broad-based reduction in pesticide use. Activities include:
* Supporting national pesticide reduction programmes,
* Promoting targets for organic and sustainable agriculture,
* Tackling insufficiencies of the EU pesticide approval system,
* Publishing a quarterly PAN Europe newsletter,
* Facilitating an email network on European pesticides issues,
* Arranging an annual PAN Europe conference.
PAN Europe is facilitated by PAN Germany and PAN UK. These organisations also represent PAN Europe in the international PAN.
Website: http://www.pan-europe.info
Contact information:
Address: c/o PAN UK, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44-20-7065.0905; Fax: +44-20-7065.0907
E-mail: coordinator@pan-europe.info
Website: http://www.pan-uk.org
PAN UK seeks to eliminate pesticide hazards and promote policies and practices that minimise the exposure of workers, consumers and communities to pesticides. The programmes promote healthy food, agriculture and a sustainable, safe environment to provide food and meet public health needs without dependence on toxic chemicals. PAN UK works nationally and internationally with like-minded groups and individuals concerned with health, environment and development to: eliminate the hazards of pesticides; reduce dependence on pesticides; and promote ecologically and economically sound alternatives to chemical pest control.
PAN UK’s international programme works to eliminate pesticide hazards in developing countries, and to support at both policy and practical levels ecological alternatives to help users reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals, improve the sustainability of farming systems, and maintain incomes.
The website of PAN-UK provides a large collection of online publications (annual reviews, fact sheets, books and reports).
Contact information:
Address: Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44-20-7065.0905; Fax: +44-20-7065.0907
E-mail: pan-uk@pan-uk.org
Pesticide Action Network Germany (PAN Germany)
Website: http://www.pan-germany.org
PAN Germany was formed to improve coordination of existing activities, to broaden the commitment against the misuse of pesticides and to strenghten the competence of critical experts. PAN Germany works on various areas connected with pesticide use, including pesticide residues in food, worldwide starvation and pesticides, agricultural production systems, genetic engineering in agriculture, and pesticide use in households.
PAN Germany has initiated information transfer and dialogue among NGOs in Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs). It has organized strategic planning meetings and workshops on pesticide issues and sustainable alternatives in order to strengthen their capacity for action. In addition, small grants have supported NGO projects at national level in CEECs and publications were produced by PAN Germany partly in co-operation with NGO partner organizations in CEECs.
Contact information:
Address: Nernstweg 32, 22765 Hamburg, Germany
Phone: +49-40-39.91.910-0; Fax: +49-40-390.75.20
E-mail: info@pan-germany.org
PAN
Germany also coordinates the Organic Cotton Europe
Awareness-raising programme. The long-term goal of this project is to stimulate commitments by stakeholders in the textile chain and consumers in Europe for the improvement of the economic, health and environmental conditions of cotton producing small-scale farmers in Africa.
Contact information:
Contact persons: Alexandra Baier and Norbert Reintjes
Address: c/o PAN Germany
E-mail: cotton-connection@pan-germany.org
Website: http://www.organiccottoneurope.net/contact.htm
Website: http://www.rap-al.org
PAN's Regional Center for Latin America is coordinated by the Alliance for a Better Quality of Life/Pesticide Action Network.
Contact information:
Address: Av. da Providencia N° 365, Dpto. N° 41, Providencia, Santiago de Chile
Phone/Fax: +562-341.67.42
E-mail: rap-al@terra.cl
Pesticide
Action Network North America (PANNA)
Website: http://www.panna.org
PAN's Regional Center for North America is the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA). PANNA campaigns to replace pesticides with ecologically sound alternatives since 1982. The organization links over 150 affiliated health, consumer, labor, environment, progressive agriculture and public interest groups in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. with more than 1000 partners worldwide to promote healthier, more effective pest management through research, policy development, education, media, demonstrations of alternatives and international advocacy campaigns.
PANNA hosts the PANNA Information Clearinghouse: an extensive collection of books, reports, articles, periodicals, videos, slides, photos, and other materials about pesticides and related issues. Subjects include: production, use-reduction, alternatives, citizen action, regulation, exports, toxicology, crops, trade, legislation, farmworkers, residues, IPM, training, children, endocrine disruption, health/safety, cotton, methyl bromide, and biotechnology. The Clearinghouse has many materials in Spanish and German, and some in French, Portuguese, Japanese and other languages: http://www.panna.org/resources/clearinghouse.html
PANNA’s website contains an extensive Resource Library of reports, articles, guides, videos, databases, links and other resources.
A special feature is PESTIS, the Pesticide Information Service: an online document collection containing pesticide-related material, including articles, newsletters, reports and action alerts: http://www.panna.org/resources/pestis.html
Another element is the PANUPS Pesticide Action Network Updates Service: a free international news service covering the latest pesticide research, regulatory and other policy decisions, and pesticide- and agriculture-related activism. Some issues of PANUPS are Resource Pointers, which briefly describe new books, reports and other resources related to pesticides, sustainable agriculture and genetic engineering. PANUPS issues are published 1-2 times a week: http://www.panna.org/resources/panups.html
Finally PANNA publishes the Global Pesticide Campaigner (GPC); a trimesterly publication on pesticides, genetic engineering and sustainable agriculture news from around the world: http://www.panna.org/resources/gpc.html
Contact information:
Address: 49 Powell St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Phone: +1-415-981.1771; Fax: +1-415-981.1991
E-mail:
panna@panna.org
Website:
http://www.ban.org/index.html
BAN
is an international network of activists seeking to prevent the globalization of
the toxic chemical crisis. BAN conducts both national and international programs
to halt toxic trade (trade in toxic wastes, toxic products and toxic
technologies), that are exported from rich to poorer countries.
At
the same time BAN works proactively in both the USA and around the world, to
ensure national self-sufficiency in waste management through clean production
and toxics use reductions and in support of the principle of global
environmental justice. BAN serves as a campaigning organization, an
investigative and research body, a political advocacy group, and as the
definitive clearing house for information on toxic trade.
Contact
information:
Address:
c/o Asia-Pacific Environmental Exchange, 1305 4th Ave., Suite 606,
Seattle,
WA 98101 United States
Phone:
+1-206-652.55.55; fax: +1-206-652.57.50
E-mail:
info@ban.org
Beyond
Pesticides
http://www.beyondpesticides.org
Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. Beyond Pesticides provides useful information on pesticides and alternatives to their use, topics also covered in Beyond Pesticides’ quarterly news magazine; monthly news bulletins, technical reporta; and, the bi-monthly bulletin, School Pesticide Monitor. The organisation also publishes a wide variety of brochures, information packets, and reports. Especially the pesticide fact sheets are a good source of information: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticides/factsheets/index.htm
Contact information:
Address: 701 E Street SE #200, Washington DC 20003, United States
Phone: +1-202-543.5450; Fax: +1-202-543.4791
E-mail: info@beyondpesticides.org
Website: http://www.cetos.org
CETOS is a project of the Tides Center and its mission to protect vulnerable populations from harmful toxicants, and to assure a toxic-free world for our children and our children's children. CETOS is working on four interrelated issues:
toxicity from chemical exposures, especially before and immediately after birth; deleterious impacts on agriculture and the environment and the genetic alterations of animals and plants, through the intensive application of pesticides; loss of endangered species caused by the destruction or contamination of habitat with pesticides and other toxic chemicals; and protection of the genetic integrity of future generations.
CETOS provides public educational information through writing, speaking engagements, and books and acts directly to encourage new policies designed to protect people and natural populations at risk.
Contact information:
Address: 39120 Ocean Dr., Suite C-2-1, Gualala, CA 95445 United States
Phone: +1-707-884.17.00; Fax: +1-707-884.18.46
E-mail: cetos@cetos.org
Website: http://archive.greenpeace.org/toxics/index.html
This is a new site providing information and resources on campaign activities of Greenpeace in the fields of POPs, PVC, Toxic Trade and Toxic Hotspots. Including extensive links on toxic issues.
Contact information:
Address: Greenpeace International, Ottho Heldringstraat 5, 1066 AZ Amsterdam,
the Netherlands
Phone: +31-20-514.81.50; Fax: +31-20-514.81.51
E-mail: supporter.services@int.greenpeace.org
http://www.groundwork.org.za/Resources/chemical_profiles.asp
GroundWork is a non-profit environmental justice service and developmental organization working primarily in South Africa but increasingly in Southern Africa.
It seeks to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people in Southern Africa through assisting civil society to have a greater impact on environmental governance. GroundWork places particular emphasis on assisting vulnerable and previously disadvantaged people who are most affected by environmental injustices.
Contact information:
Phone: +27-33-342.56.62; Fax: +27-33-342.56.65
E-mail: team@groundwork.org.za
Intergovernmental
Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
Website: http://www.who.int/ifcs/index.htm
The IFCS is a broad consensus-building mechanism that serves as a facilitator and advocate aiming to bring order to global actions taken in the interest of global chemical safety. It is an over-arching mechanism to develop and promote strategies and partnerships among national governments, intergovernmental and NGOs. Its purpose is to: provide policy guidance; develop strategies in a coordinated and integrated manner; foster understanding of issues; and promote the required policy support
Contact information:
Address: IFCS Secretariat (L 231), c/o World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Phone: +41-22-791.38.73; Fax: +41-22-791.48.75
E-mail: ifcs@who.ch
International
POPs Elimination Network (IPEN)
Website: http://ipen.ecn.cz
The IPEN is comprised of public interest NGOs who support a common platform for the global elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants. These Participating Organizations of IPEN are those NGOs which have endorsed the IPEN Stockholm Declaration agreed on May 22nd, 2001 in Stockholm (or which have endorsed the previous POPs Elimination Platform). The mission of IPEN, achieved through its participating organisations, is to work for the global elimination of persistent organic pollutants.
Contact information:
Contact person: Björn Beeler, IPEN International Coordinator
Address: c/o CIEL 1367 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036 United States
Phone: +1-202-785.87.00; Fax +1-202-785.87.01
E-mail: bbeeler@ciel.org
National
Toxics Network (NTN)
NTN is a community-based network with a common aim to reduce the chemical load on the environment and to promote environmentally responsible technologies and management systems.
NTN aims to be a true network reflecting a diversity of approach with a solidarity of purpose. NTN has interests in all aspects of toxic chemical pollution including regulatory and assessment issues. Over 300 groups and campaigners from across Australia as well as representatives from NZ and South Pacific, have already registered as network participants.
NTN is the Australian Focal Point for the International POPs Elimination Network.
Contact
information:
Address:
47 Eugenia St, Rivett ACT. 2611, Australia
E-mail:
biomap@oztoxics.org
Website:
http://www.toxicslink.org
Toxics
Links is India’s leading NGO working in toxics and waste issues. The website
aims at providing exhaustive information and resources on toxics and waste.
Furthermore it provides a platform of dialogue concerning this issues.
Programme
areas are a.o.: toxics free health care (making healthcare delivery hazards free
by replacing toxic products, processes and technologies by clean and safer
alternatives), clean industry (replacement of toxic technologies, industries and
products with cleaner alternatives), and chemical health (create knowledge and
collaboratively raise awareness about the harmful effects of POPs and pesticides
on health, food and environment).
Contact
information:
Address:
Delhi office: H2 (Ground Floor), Jungpura Extension, New Delhi 110 014, India
Phone:
+91-11-2432.8006; Fax: +91-11-2432.1747
E-mail:
tldelhi@toxicslink.org
Website:
http://www.chem.unep.ch
UNEP
Chemicals is the center for all chemicals-related activities of the UNEP. Its
goal is to make the world a safer place from toxic chemicals. This is done by
helping governments take needed global actions for the sound management of
chemicals, by promoting the exchange of information on chemicals, and by helping
to build the capacities of countries around the world to use chemicals safely.
The
website provides information on POPs, PCBs, PTSs, the Global Mercury Assessment,
the POPs Global Monitoring Programme and the Lead Programme.
See
http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/default.htm
Contact
information:
E-mail:
chemicals@unep.ch
Website: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/toxics
WWF's Toxics Programme is involved in a variety of exciting projects ranging from cleaning up dangerous pesticide stockpiles in Africa to advancing international treaties to ban toxic chemicals.
WWF is working with government leaders, scientists, environmental and pubic health groups, and businesses to reduce chemical threats to wildlife and human health.
The goal of WWF’s Toxics Programme is to end threats to biological diversity from hazardous chemicals, especially those used in industrial, agricultural, and consumer products or processes by 2020, identifying safer alternatives where possible.
Contact
information: your national or regional WWF Office.
Website:
http://www.basel.int
The
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
and their Disposal was adopted in Basel, Switzerland on 22 March 1989. The
Convention was initiated in response to numerous international scandals
regarding hazardous waste trafficking that began to occur in the late 1980s. The
Convention entered into force on 5 May 1992. Since that time, developing
countries and environmentalists have succeeded within the Convention in
achieving a decision to ban hazardous waste exports from the wealthiest to less
wealthy countries.
Contact
information:
Address:
Secretariat of the Basel Convention, 13-15 Chemin des Anemones, 1219 Chatelaine,
Geneva, Switzerland
Phone:
+41-22-917.8218; Fax: +41-22-797.3454
E-mail:
sbc@unep.ch
Website:
http://www.pic.int
Governments
started to address the problem of toxic pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
in the 1980s by establishing a voluntary Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedures
(This procedure required exporters trading in a list of hazardous substances to
obtain the prior informed consent of importers before proceeding with the trade).
The Rotterdam Convention of 1998 did make the PIC legally binding and it entered
into force on 24 February 2004. The aim is to establish a first line of defense
by giving importing countries the tools and information they need to identify
potential hazards and exclude chemicals they cannot manage safely. If a country
agrees to import chemicals, the Convention promotes their safe use through
labeling standards, technical assistance, and other forms of support. It also
ensures that exporters comply with the requirements.
Contact
information:
Address:
Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention, c/o UNEP Chemicals, 11-13 Chemin des
Anèmones, 1219 Châtelaine, Switzerland
Phone:
+41-22-917.81.83; Fax: +41-22-797.34.60
E-mail:
pic@unep.ch
Website:
http://www.pops.int
The
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty to
protect human health and the environment from POPs. In implementing the
Convention, Governments will take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of
POPs into the environment.
Contact
information:
Address:
Secretariat for the Stockholm Convention on POPs, 11-13 Chemin des Anèmones,
1219 Châtelaine, Switzerland
Phone:
+41-22-917.81.91; Fax: +41-22-797.34.60
E-mail: ssc@chemicals.unep.ch
Disclaimer: Both ENDS does not invite reliance upon, nor
accept responsibility for, the information it provides. Both ENDS makes every
effort to provide a high quality service. However Both ENDS does not give any
guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or
up-to-date nature of the information provided. Both ENDS always welcomes
feedback on the information it provides; please mail your comment and/or
corrections to hk@bothends.org
All information in this publication has been gathered from public sources, if however organisations have objections against publication in the information newsletter please notify the editor.
© Both ENDS (12-2004)