Human Rights Watch urges Brazil to regulate pesticides more
SAO PAULO — Human Rights Watch urged the Brazilian government Friday to establish buffer zones nationwide when pesticides are sprayed and reduce the use of highly toxic products.
The group said in a report that Brazil is one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world and it often uses products that are not authorized elsewhere. Of the 10 most common pesticides in Brazil, four cannot be used in the European Union.
The poorly regulated use of pesticides puts people’s health at risk, the report said. Health Ministry data show that around 4,000 pesticide poisoning cases were reported last year. The ministry said in a report this year that there has been progress on reporting the number of cases, but that the figures continue to greatly underrepresent the reality.
The Agriculture Ministry said state governments handle the regulation of pesticides. But Luis Rangel, a senior official with the ministry, added that the ministry wants to increase the role of agronomists in regulating and monitoring how pesticides can be safely used. He did not elaborate. The Health Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.