To: CS-eXchange@...
From: "Silvia K. Mueller" <csn.deutschland@...>
Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:48:00 -0000
Subject: [CS-eXchange] Farmers, exterminators, community warned on use of pesticides

In der Karibik will keiner mehr Pestizide weil sie Schäden bei Mensch
und Umwelt anrichten, die nicht mehr zu übersehen oder schönzureden
sind. Selbst das Ministerium für Landwirtschaft, Bauern,
Schädlingsbekämpfer und Gemeinden stellen sich gegen die Benutzung
und beginnen wieder einfache und kostengünstige alternative
Bekämpfungsmethoden zu propagieren.

-----------

Farmers, exterminators, community warned on use of pesticides
Government Information Service
Sept. 26.2007
BVI News

The Department of Agriculture along with the Environmental Health
Unit is using this week to bring attention to the dangers of
pesticide use on farms, home gardens, around the house and insides
homes.

Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer Arona Fahie-Forbes says that
exposure to pesticide is now being linked to birth defects in
newborns, certain kinds of cancer and destruction of the environment.
These findings have helped to advance alternative forms of pests
control within countries that are part of the Organization of Eastern
Caribbean States (OECS).#

"Most pesticides are toxic and the use of these substances can be
dangerous to the health of those who ingest even the residue. Persons
are known to die suddenly from consuming certain kinds of pesticides,
and we realize that some mangrove areas, fish nurseries and other
protected areas are being destroyed because of pesticide runoff.
These substances are quite potent and should have limited or
restricted use," she said.

Mrs. Forbes noted that persons do not usually associate certain
symptoms such as dizziness and skin disorders to exposure to
pesticides. These symptoms are ignored and the exposure continues
into long-term or permanent illnesses. Mrs. Forbes advises that
persons inquire about the products used by local exterminators to rid
properties of rodents and insects well before services are rendered.

She also notes there are many banned pesticides still used in the
BVI. Some of the more popular illegal products are gramaxone,
lindane, aldicarb, parathion, aldrin, methyl bromide and chlordane
some of which are known carcinogens. The insecticide Baygon is not
banned in the BVI but it is very toxic and should be used with
extreme caution and only as directed.

Mrs. Forbes says that as part of the OECS activities to mark
Pesticide Awareness Week, she is promoting the use of integrated pest
management (IPM) which provides opportunities for safe removal of
pests from gardens and homes.

She notes that integrated pest management is a strategy used to
create a safer environment around farms, backyard gardens and homes
in addition to, discouraging the growth of pests.

"Fungi particularly the anthracnose and sooty (black) mold which grow
on many plant leaves and fruit strive in environments that are damp
and moist. A drainage system which allow for quick removal or
distribution of water and the provisions for the free circulation of
air can eliminate this problem. Plants need to be pruned regularly so
that air can pass through and ventilate the property," she said.

The Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer also encourages the use of
homemade pesticides like vinegar, Epsom salts and soapy water to
remove fungi and other pests from plants. She also advocates
uprooting and burning of plants infected with worms and insects to
prevent the spread to other plants.

The Environmental Health Division, which is concerned with all
aspects of the environment that affect the health of the community,
joins the Department of Agriculture in pesticide awareness activities.

Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Horace Henry says that all
chemicals pesticides "must be approved; meet the required standard
and used as instructed."

The Environmental Health Division promotes health, enforces
regulations and provides advice on policies for sustaining a healthy
environment.

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