Endosulfan Does Not Pose Health Problems

Gujarat based NGO Sishuvihar organized a press meet on 21^st April, 2011 in Ahmedabad with a view to share details regarding the health details conducted by the Gujarat Health Ministry titled 'Report of the Committee to Evaluate the Safety Aspects of Endosulfan'. Gujarat being an agriculturally important state, endosulfan is safely used by farmers for over 40-years. However, environmental groups in Gujarat are seeking a ban on endosulfan on the grounds that exposure to endosulfan can pose health problems. But the farmers were disturbed by these allegations as none of these farmers had any health issues relating to the use of endosulfan. On 15^th November 2010 around 10,000 men, women and children carried out a rally and submitted a petition to the District Collector demanding an inquiry into these allegations. The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat has set up an expert committee to investigate the safety aspects of endosulfan.

Nanakbhai Bhatt of the NGO, Shishuvihar said, "The committee concludes that there are no health problems that can be associated to the exposure of endosulfan and is satisfied that there is no occupational or safety issues arising out of exposure to endosulfan."


Source-Medindia