In July, The European Commission has proposed to amend the annexes to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants by adding endosulfan, a neurotoxic organochlorine insecticide.

First developed in the 1950s, endosulfan is now widely used in agriculture to control pests. It is highly toxic and is already banned in several countries.

In response to concerns surrounding the environmental health risks posed by Endosulfan, the Commission issued the following Statement:

“According to the available data, endosulfan is very persistent in the environment and is frequently found in environmental compartments. It has a great potential for bioaccumulation. Due to its physical and chemical properties and atmospheric half-life, and based on modelling data and findings in environmental samples, it has been proved that endosulfan is transported long distances, far from its sources. Endosulfan is a very toxic chemical for nearly all kind of organisms. Endosulfan has the potential to cause some endocrine disruption in both terrestrial and aquatic species. Endosulfan causes neurotoxicity and haematological effects and nephrotoxicity.

Placing on the market and use of endosulfan has been prohibited in the European Union. However, it is still produced in some countries (Worldwide production estimated at 10,000 metric tonnes.) and it continues to be used in many countries. Given the inherent properties of endosulfan, together with demonstrated or potential environmental concentrations that exceed maximum permissible concentrations; and given the widespread occurrence of endosulfan, including in remote areas; it is concluded that endosulfan is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects, such that global action is warranted.”

The EU proposal regarding endosulfan can be found here.

The Draft Dossier prepared in support of a proposal of endosulfan to be considered as a candidate for inclusion in the Annexes to the Stockholm Convention can be found here.