Endosulfan – The spray of death

February 20, 2015 04:29 pm | Updated November 27, 2021 04:19 pm IST

Many parts of the world have fallen prey to this pesticide, that has affected a lot of humans, animals and the environment. The Supreme Court of India had passed an interim order on May 13, 2011, as a major number of victims were reported to be affected in Kasargode (Kerala), and banned the production, distribution and use of endosulfan.

What is endosulfan ?

It is a widely-banned pesticide with hazardous effects on human genetic and endocrine systems.

April 29, 2011

  • Global consensus reached on adding endosulfan to list of banned substances and phasing it out as an agrichemical
  • Use of endosulfan banned by Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
  • Under pressure from pesticide firms, India sought remission on the ban for 10 years

HAZARDOUS EFFECTS

  • Delayed reproductive development (late sexual maturity)
  • Autism
  • Bioaccumulation (substance does not leave body)
  • Endocrine disruption (stunting of hormones)
  • Long-range contamination
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Long-range contamination
  • Sensory Loss

May 13, 2011

Supreme Court of India issues temporary ban on production, storage and sale of endosulfan

Kerala and Karnataka are the only States which do not use the pesticide

Uses

Sprayed on crops like cotton, cashew, fruits, tea, paddy, tobacco etc. for control of pests in agriculture such as whiteflies, aphids, beetles, worms etc.

NEUROTOXIC

“Endosulfan blocks the inhibitory receptors of the CNS, disrupts the ionic channels and destroys the integrity of the nerve cells. ~ report of fact-finding mission

KASARGOD DISASTER

From the mid-70s, Kerala villages used aerial spraying of endosulfan on 4,600-ha. cashew nut plantation. Locals reportedly experienced illnesses, palsies and deformities

A look at how the pesticide destroyed biodiversity: >Read

A total of 188 people were affected by the pesticide and Kerala planned a health package for Palakkad. >Read

In 2014, efforts were taken to dispose off 314 litres of endosulfan stock. >Read

In 2015, it was announced that the victims could claim a sum of Rs. 50,000 to settle their bank loans. >Read

Latest developments:

Endosulfan victim families told to form a society that can manage a permanent rehabilitation centre for the victims. >Read

Giving hope to parents and their children, seven children go to Day Care Centre for Endosulfan Victims at Kokkada for physiotherapy. >Read

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