More and more countries in the world are asking themselves about the role of pesticides in environmental pollution and in the loss of biodiversity. The bees, fundamental for pollination, are among the species most affected by the side effects of these substances, but human health is also threatened by the exposure. In this context, the recent Mexico decision marks an important step towards a safer and more sustainable agriculture.
The new ban
Mexico has announced the ban on import, production and sale of 35 pesticides considered highly dangerous. Among these is the DDT, an obsolete insecticide and prohibited worldwide since the 70s, but which in Mexico was still produced and used.
Other prohibited compounds include Endosulfan, Vacalcosulfan and Aldicarb, used for crops such as corn, avocado, sugar cane, cotton and fruit trees. These pesticides are known to be carcinogenic, interfere with the endocrine system, damage the nervous system and cause DNA alterations.
In addition to human health risks, these pesticides have devastating effects on the environment. They are highly toxic to bees and other pollinators, contaminate rivers and lakes damaging fish and aquatic fauna, and leave persistent residues in the soil. Birds and small mammals are also exposed to a high risk of poisoning. Mexico’s decision therefore aims to protect both ecosystems and biodiversity.
The 35 forbidden pesticides
Following the presidential decree, Mexico prohibited the following 35 pesticides, including substances already prohibited for import but not for production or use:
Four of these substances – Aldicarb, Carbofran, Endosulfan and DDT – are among the most dangerous and represent serious risks for human health and wildlife.
According to the Autonomous National University of Mexico (Unam) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and the Register of Diseases of the United States Government (ATSDR), these pesticides can cause acute poisoning, with symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred vision, weakness, spasms and coordination loss, up to the respiratory arrest in case of high exposure.
20 pesticides are then particularly dangerous for bees and other pollinators, while 13 were already subject to import restrictions but not of production or use.
The Mexican government planns to progressively replace the pesticides prohibited with less toxic alternatives in the next five years. The secretary of agriculture Julio Berdegué recognized that the availability of effective substitutes is not immediate, but has expressed confidence in the development of safe products and in non -chemical solutions. The initiative also includes control mechanisms for some still allowed pesticides, such as Fipronil, Imidacloprid and Tiametoxam, in order to limit their use and reduce their environmental impact.
The path to a more sustainable and safe agriculture is still long, but Mexico shows as courageous and informed policies can already be a good first step.
