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RESOLUTION ON PESITICIDES

Background

A dangerous double standard exists today that imperils the environment and threatens the physical health to the third world. This double standard is created by American chemical companies when they market agricultural pesticides banned in the U.S. as too hazardous for use. With such pesticides as Parathion, Aldrin, Kepone and Paraquat; simple skin contact can cause such serious health complications as cancer, nervous system collapse, sterility and fetus damage. However, these are marketed freely in third world nations without regard to proper and safe use. Many of the poisonings and resultant deaths stem from illiteracy or language barriers involving third world farmers who misuse pesticides because of a lack of knowledge about the dangers involved.

Therefore BE IT RESOLVED

1. that letters be written by the sponsors of this resolution to insist that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keep close communication with the governments of developing nations, informing them of the dangers of indiscriminate use of highly toxic pesticides and their forbidden use in this country.

Sponsored by:

                                    Jeff King, U. of Arizona

                                    Deb Duellman, CSU

                                    Denise Hoskins, U. of Arizona