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Endosulfan

Endosulfan, a colorless organochlorine compound, is widely used as an insecticide and acaricide.

It is a controversial chemical presently banned in various countries under European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and other Asian and West African nations.

Endosulfan is used to combat numerous pests like whiteflies, aphids, leafhoppers, Colorado potato beetles, and cabbage worms.

Past studies have revealed that it acts as an endocrine disruptor, leading to enormous reproductive damage.

Shockingly, India is the world's largest consumer of endosulfan, resulting in thousands of poisoning accidents.

However, some insist that there is no specific evidence behind the role of endosulfan in these diseases including cancer.

“None of the studies conducted by the Kerala and central governments have conclusively proved through scientific tests and analysis that endosulfan had caused these diseases and deaths. Many other states in India and also foreign countries, where this insecticide-***-acaricide is being made use of, have not reported such ill effects,”

http://themedguru.com/inews.htm

Several countries with significant stakes in agriculture, such as Argentina, China, India, South Africa have experienced no reason to express concerns over the alleged dangers of Endosulfan. Endosulfan remains one of the top ten insecticides used the world over. It has been certified by World Health Organisation (Switzerland) and Food & Agriculture Organisation (Italy) to not cause cancer, birth defects, or any hormonal imbalance on contact. It is also the opinion of the UN Environment Programme, International Labour Organisation, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and the US Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Pesticide Registration, that Endosulfan has no carcinogenic potential.

The WHO has classified Endosulfan as a Class II—moderately hazardous drug. The pesticide does not persist in the environment, and its degeneration is faster in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It degenerates from consumption by micro-organisms in soil, in sunlight, as well as in water. It is unlikely to persist in the human body as it is continually degraded by metabolism to a lesser state of hazard. Endosulfan was even introduced in USA in 2006, for veterinary purposes to stop parasite problems in cattle that are bred for both meat and milk.

The reports of human deformities are highly unlikely. No scientific evidence has been found implicating Endosulfan yet. Even the committees set up by the state and central governments have found no connection between the health problems and the pesticide. The pesticide has been used safely for more than 50 years globally until India gained lead in its production and exports. My view is that Europe is trying its best to sabotage the global sale of this pesticide to promote its patented pesticides, too expensive for Indian farmers.

Endosulfan is not a carcinogen (cancer causing agent). International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, a body of WHO) does not classify Endosulfan to be a carcinogen. United States - Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) also supports this conclusion. Several other research publications also confirm this.