DENR orders temporary ban on endosulfan

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza has ordered a temporary ban on the importation, distribution and use of endosulfan, a highly toxic synthetic pesticide used on food and non-food crops.

The order is contained in memorandum circular 2009-02 issued on Feb. 26.

“The temporary ban on endosulfan is consistent with the mandate of the DENR to protect the public and the environment from any undesirable risk hazards on its continued use,” Atienza said, adding that the ban was imposed due to safety concerns for humans and the environment.

Endosulfan is toxic to aquatic resources. If it is released to surface water or to the aquatic environment, Atienza warned, “it affects our fish resources.”

The DENR chief said the temporary ban stays until the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) issues an official directive on the use of endosulfan.

The DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), conducted consultations with non-government organizations, industries and other relevant government agencies to order a temporary ban on endosulfan.

However, environmentalists expressed dissatisfaction to the directive of the DENR on endosulfan.

The Ecological Waste Coalition (EcoWaste) said the temporary ban on endosulfan, as ordered by the DENR, is not enough as they sought for a total ban of the toxic pesticide for all uses in order to fully safeguard the farmers and communities from debilitating chemical exposure.

“A total ban will send a strong signal to endosulfan users, especially the pineapple industry, that it’s high time to shift to ecological agriculture minus toxic inputs that imperil public health and the environment,” said Manny Calonzo, president of EcoWaste, in a text message The Star.

It also promotes sharing of information and contributes to the environmentally sound management of certain hazardous chemicals.

Endosulfan came to public light in June 2008 when MV Princess of the Stars sank in Sibuyan seas at the height of typhoon “Frank”.

The vessel was carrying around 10,000 kilos of the dangerous substance.

Various sectors have called on the government for the total ban of the dangerous pesticide.

The FPA had banned the substance in 1993, but lifted the ban in 1995 to control the dreaded “pink disease” that threatened the country’s pineapple industry.

Alternatives to endosulfan that are less toxic and environment-friendly are now available.