Brazil has become the latest country to cancel the registration of pesticide endosulfan on the grounds that it represents a serious threat to human health and the environment.

The risks of exposure to endosulfan are extremely serious – linked to severe physical deformities, reproductive problems and neurological conditions, with the worst cases of exposure being fatal.

Brazil now joins the ever growing ranks of countries whose national governments have all taken steps to eliminate the deadly pesticide, including EU countries and the US.

Brazil’s decision will help protect its people from the devastating effects of endosulfan

Phasing in a ban

Based on the decision of the committee formed by the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA), Ministry of Agriculture (Map) and National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA), imports of endosulfan will be banned from July 31st 2011

Domestic production will be phased out over the course of the next few years, until manufacture and use of endosulfan in Brazil is completely prohibited in July 2013

A landmark decision

Although the ban is not effective immediately, this decision is hugely important for the health and wellbeing of Brazil’s people. This national ban also represents another critical step towards the end of endosulfan use worldwide.