and Integrated Pest Management - part - usaid

PESICIDE RFSIDUFS INFOOD AND TIIEENVIRONMFNT 389
reason for that product not to be used in another country. Many developing
countries, for exaniple, siMaCted in tropical and sub-tropical regions, experience
pest, disease, and weed control lrohl~cis which have no equivalent in tilemore
temperate countries which usually develop and produce pesticides.
Col fmentalor, enloying the bcnefits of sifficient wholesome food and proper
shelter inindustrialited countries are generally in no position to pass judgcment
on the suil'abilily of the use of pesticides under the conditions which in practice
prevail in many dcveloping countries. In this respect, paragraph 38 of the report
of the First Asian Regional Consultation on larmonization of Pesticide
Registration Reqtuirenents (Paguio City, Philippines; 24-29 October, 1983) is
to be welcomed, where it is stated:
"The use o a pesticide should be permitted only if the benefits outweigh the
risks involved. The balance between benefit and risk will differ greatly
under different socio-economic conditions, and it is important for each
country to study its own priorities when deciding what compounds may be
registered and not be too much influenced by decisions made elsewhere."
Let us consider an example. In the developed world, most uses of the more
persistent organochlorine insecticides have been phased out, often in favor of less
persistent organoplhosphatcs. Viewed solely from an environmental perspective,
it is SUpportable as a desirable move even though it has to be noted that the
evidence regarding the caises of eggshell thinning in birds can be a matter for
debate. We also need to remember, however, that some of the organophosphates
are more acutely toxic thanl earlier organochlorines, which in practice had a good
rccord of user safety. Thus, it would be imprudent to consider the environmental
perspective in isolation. Rather, the totality of the benefits and the whole
package of safety data need to be considered, in perspective. Sadly, the
consequences of removing DDT from use in malarial mosquito control programs
have already becn demonstrated.
Let us remember also that fashions in safety evaluations have tended to
change with time. Topics which at one moment were thought to be particularly
worrisome became less so as greater technical understanding evolved.
The issues stirrounding benefit/risk judgements on pesticides are not always
simple or straightlrward. The need for flexibility of choice to meet specific
requirements from within a range of acccptable pest control measures, is
essential. Meanwhile, as far as pesticide residues in food and the environment
are concerned, it can be argued that the largest potential dangers arise from
mlisuse and not from recommended use. In this context, the availability of
quality pesticides wvhich will performn the required task is essential. So too is
continuedl training in the safe and efficient use of pesticides. On the basis of the
available evidence, which is enormons, it is legitimate to argue th:at if these
aspects of the supply and use of pesticides can be kept in good order, residue
levels in food and the environment will continue not to be a source of overriding
safety concern for man.