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Use and control of pesticides
in Pakistan
J. Liesivuori
Regional Institute of Occupational Health,
Kuopio, Finland
With the development of the textile industry, consumption of pesticides
has increased markedly in Pakistan: 90% of all pesticides are applied to
cotton fields. Many compounds banned in other countries are still in use
in Pakistan. Several epidemic pesticide poisonings have occurred and
increased organochior-ine pesticide levels have been found among Pakistani
mothers and infants. Although regulations and provisions for the
safety of workers handling pesticides have been established, there are no
arrangements for the implementation of these rules. Despite the economic
disincentive, it is recommended that the pesticide load in the general
population and the environment be evaluated and the present regulations
for the registration of pesticides be implemented. The safe use of pesticides
and monitoring workers' exposure should be encouraged.
Pesticides constitute a potent health risk, especially in developing countries
where working conditions are often poor and the educational level of the
population low. Pakistan, in this respect, is typical. Although it is taking the
first steps toward promoting health and safety in the workplace, only 26% of
the adult population is literate, and no institutional system for evaluating the
toxicity of pesticides exists. Many companies in Pakistan promote the use of
pesticides through television and newspaper advertisements without effective
instructions on safe handling and application.
Pesticide regulations
In Pakistan, the most important regulations governing the use of pesticides
are the I 971 Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance and the 1973 Agricultural Pesticides
Rules. Regulations for pesticides were also included as a part of the environmental
protection programs of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance
in 1983.
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