Considerations on the POP Situation in Bolivia

20. Considerations on the POP Situation in Bolivia

by Mr. A. Letellier Heinrich and Mr. E. Moreno Lafuente

THE USE OF AGROCHEMICALS IN BOLIVIA

Less than in the other Latin American countries (4 kg/Ha).

- Statistics do not consider the significant entry of these types of products as contraband.

The entry of agrochemicals banned because their harmful health effects is out of control.

- Consumption (1960 and 1982) in terms of the value of imports has increased at an average rate of 19.08%.

- The demand for agrochemicals varies with the ecological area, the size of the property, and the type of technology utilized:

Agribusiness, particularly in the plains region, consumes 80% of total agricultural chemicals imported legally.

In the east, the use of chemicals is more widespread, particularly in extensive landholdings (sugarcane, soybeans, cotton).

In the eastern plains, agrochemicals are used more intensively.

69% of agricultural workers apply agricultural chemicals without any protection.

86% of the country’s agricultural workers do not know the risks of pesticide poisoning.

In the altiplano region and in the valleys, chemical fertilizers are used less because of costs and traditional crop rotation.

Handling and storage are contrary to the most elementary safety standards.

Retail sales are uncontrolled.

It has been shown that the prohibited pesticides that enter as contraband are mixed with other products and sold in different containers with changed names.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON AGROINDUSTRY DUE TO THE USE OF AGROCHEMICALS

The growing use of agrochemicals, particularly in the eastern area of Bolivia (the plains), is damaging the health of the population and livestock.

Some of these products are PARATHION, a highly toxic and poisonous insecticide; PARAQUAT, a herbicide that directly affects the lungs, liver, and kidneys and for which there is no known antidote to date.

Sampling in 1977 in 11 agricultural holdings with 237 workers indicated that 62% of them were poisoned, including 16 minors.

Among cotton pickers, 27% exhibited poisoning.

In 1977, 43% of the workers in the Tarija valley showed signs of poisoning.

In Río Abajo in the city of La Paz, there were 14 confirmed deaths with signs of poisoning.

- In 1987, nearly 1,000 head of cattle died (llama, sheep and alpaca), in the province of Pacajes in the south of the department of La Paz as a result of an anti-mange bath using the product BALLGAN.

UTILIZATION OF POPs (INSECTICIDES) IN BOLIVIAN AGRIBUSINESS

In the three ecological areas (high plains, valleys and plains), despite the fact that they are banned, the following POPs are used in significant quantities: aldrin, endrin, and DDT.

LAW AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING POPs IN BOLIVIA

1. The reorganization and definition of the functions of the Plant Health Service for inspection, defense of national agriculture, and control of agricultural inputs through D.S. No. 10283, of 30/MAY/72):

Establishes

- Health measures in the country, assigning responsibilities to the sectors and/or people involved.

Restricts

- The importing of live plants, seeds, fruit trees, part of plant species and/or agricultural products attacked by disease or pests from a property or region declared an "infected area."

- The importing or manufacture of pesticides, fertilizers and related products that have not been previously entered in the registry to be maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development.

Prohibition of the Use of Pesticides (Ministerial Regulation dated 8/FEB/94) covers the following POPs: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, and toxaphene.
Law NE 1333 on the Environment (27/APR/92):

In Art. 30 indicates that "The State shall regulate and control the production, introduction and marketing of pharmaceutical products, toxic agrochemicals and other substances that are hazardous and/or harmful to health and/or the environment. Recognized as such are products and substances designated by the appropriate national and international agencies, as well as those prohibited in the countries of manufacture of origin."

Art. 31 prohibits "The introduction, deposit and transit through national territory of toxic, dangerous, radioactive or other wastes of domestic and/or foreign origin, the characteristics of which constitute a danger for the population and the environment."

4. The Regulations of Law 1333 on the Environment (DS NE 24176 of 4/DEC/95):

The regulations regarding Activities involving Hazardous Substances:

Art. 1 establishes: procedures for handling , risk control, and reduction with respect to Activities involving Hazardous Substances.

Art. 2 defines hazardous substances as those that present or involve the following intrinsic characteristics: corrosiveness, explosiveness, flammability, pathogenicity, radioactivity, reactivity, and toxicity, as indicated by standard tests.

Art. 15 defines the technical and administrative procedures for registering and licensing Activities involving Hazardous Substances.

The Regulations on Water Pollution:

- Maximum admissible parameter values in receptor bodies, by classification (A,B,C,D) of the following pesticides (POPs): aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, DDT, endrin, heptachlor, polychlorinated biphenyls.

Given the widespread use and handling of pesticides in Bolivia, it has been considered urgent to control POPs under Law 1333 and its regulations.

5. Official Registry of Agrochemicals (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development, dated 30/SEP/97) considers the following POPs: mirex (Register No. 1357/23/07/96-2001), of Brazilian origin.

6. Law NE 1008 on the Regulations on Coca and Controlled Substances (31/JAN/89) governing the use of inputs and precursors for preparation of the "base paste."

ACTION TAKEN BY BOLIVIA REGARDING POPs

The National Chemical Safety Program (PNSQ) has been developed on the basis of:

The framework of Agenda 21 drawn up in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992.

The mandate of Law 1333 on the Environment in Chapter V, Art. 30.

The National Profile for the Management of Chemical Substances (PNMSQ).

Background

In September 1996, Bolivia was selected to form part of the second implementation group for pilot programs to develop National Profiles in the developing countries and economies in transition.

The profile was developed

In response to the establishment of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (FISQ) as part of the International Conference on Chemical Safety.

On the basis of the guidelines prepared by the United Nations (UNITAR).

WEAKNESSES IDENTIFIED

Ignorance of environmental risks in the use and handling of POPs by the potentially exposed population.

- Lack of trained technical human resources to support awareness campaigns in the public and private sectors.

Institutional weakness (for controlling the trade of chemical substances banned in the countries of origin; use and handling).

- High poverty rate in areas devoted to livestock.

Incipient level of research, science and technology.

- Economic and financial weakness with regard to implementing policies and strategic actions.

- Lack of effective programs and activities to implement occupational health and labor safety measures, particularly in activities related to agricultural, livestock, and agroindustrial activities.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN

Given the National Chemical Safety Program and the importance of POPs, the MDSP intends to take the following action:

Promote a national diagnosis of the POPs situation in Bolivia.

- Formulate a Plan for Regulation and Control of POPs, including multisectoral activities carry out the following actions:

- Begin process for regulating and standardizing the marketing, use, and handling of POPs.

- Prepare guidelines and manuals on the use and handling of POPs and occupational health and safety.

- Launch a public awareness program on the use and handling of POPs (information campaigns, awareness and consensus-building at the national, sectoral, regional, and local levels).

- Program for human resource training and education with interinstitutional participation to support implementation of programs and projects.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING ACTION

Financial and technical assistance.

- Transfer of scientific and technical knowledge, technology, training and instruction in support of actions.

- Inclusion in information system on POPs.

SUGGESTIONS

Implement a Horizontal Cooperation Network for the exchange of information on POPs.

Create a Multilateral Fund for implementing activities to control POPs.

- Present a paper on the restriction of POPs at the Environment and Trade Meeting.