Wipe out highly hazardous pesticides to deter wildlife poisoning: The case of carbofuran and aldicarb

Abstract

Deliberate wildlife poisoning with pesticides is widely reported worldwide, regardless of whether the toxic compound is authorized, of restricted use, or banned. Due to their high toxicity, Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are of special concern in this regard, with international calls claiming for concerted action to effectively address their severe impacts on the environment and public health. Continuous wildlife poisoning episodes with carbofuran and aldicarb across the globe illustrate how partial regulations are insufficient to address the adverse environmental impacts of HHPs. Carbofuran and aldicarb are restricted in 83 and 125 countries, respectively, including total bans in EU, where they are still responsible for wildlife poisoning. Remaining stocks in countries where banned may contribute to their short-medium term use, but the absence of a global ban leaves room for manufacturing, allowing in turn a continuous illegal trade and use over time. Following FAO's proposal to eliminate HHPs by 2030, and considering the decreasing presence in ecosystems of the few pesticides already banned or severely restricted at global scale, a total ban must be implemented to effectively deter the use of carbofuran, aldicarb and other HHPs in wildlife poisoning on the medium-long term.