China has banned the sale and use of four highly hazardous pesticides.
This is the latest in a series of nationwide bans on acutely toxic pesticides, implemented by the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (ICAMA).
China is one of the world’s largest pesticide users. It also has a high rate of suicide, with pesticide poisoning one of the most common methods of suicide.
Previous research has shown that China’s pesticide bans have contributed to a substantial fall in the country’s suicide rate. Deaths from pesticide suicide fell by over 60% between 2006 and 2018, following earlier regulations on some acutely toxic highly hazardous pesticides.
Responding to the latest bans, Professor Michael Eddleston, Director of the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, said:
“I would like to congratulate China’s regulatory body ICAMA for its continued efforts to review and ban acutely toxic pesticides. Earlier bans have already had a considerable impact, with both the pesticide suicide rate and overall suicide rate declining significantly. I have no doubt that these new bans will also directly contribute to lives being saved.”
Further reading
China Enforces Nationwide Ban on Four Highly Toxic Pesticides from June 1 (external link)
China’s suicide rate fell dramatically following pesticide bans, new study finds