Global Call to Ban Chlorpyrifos:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva proposed the banning of toxic pesticide Chlorpyrifos by listing it under Annex A of Stockholm Convention (complete global ban without exemptions). However, India opposed the move, citing the absence of viable alternatives and the potential threat to food security. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate (formed by esterifying phosphoric acid with alcohol) insecticide used in agriculture, public health to control pests like termites, mosquitoes, and roundworms. It works by inhibiting an acetylcholinesterase enzyme essential for nerve function, affecting both target pests and non-target species, including humans. Exposure (via skin, inhalation, or ingestion) can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, paralysis and breathing difficulty. It forms a toxic byproduct (chlorpyrifos oxon) in the body, which causes these effects. It persists in soil for weeks to years, breaks down slowly in acidic conditions, and may contaminate water bodies through erosion. It is highly toxic to birds (e.g., robins, mallards), fish, bees, and earthworms, and can bioaccumulate in the food chain.Chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide in India (9.4% of total insecticide consumption in 2016-17) has been registered under the Insecticides Act since 1977.(IPEN Report) Classified as moderately hazardous by WHO and a possible carcinogen by EPA, its residues are found in produce, water, blood, and breast milk.
