From January 25, 2002
Pesticide Ban Challenged, Environmentalists Respond
On January 23, 2002, environmental groups from across the globe stood together to oppose the actions of a U.S. based pesticide manufacturer. The targeted company, Crompton Corporation, has decided to sue Canada for $100 million, being that the country has banned the pesticide lindane for use on canola crops. Environmentalists around the world joined the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) in submitting a letter to the Canadian government urging them to resist Crompton. The letter was sent to ministers of trade, agriculture, environment and health.
Crompton cites that the North American Free Trade Agreement's (NAFTA) Chapter 11 provides them the ability to sue Canada. The provision allows companies to sue NAFTA governments when policies are enforced that hurt their investments. More and more, companies are seeking to eliminate policies implemented to better public health under the Chapter 11 provision.
"The government of Canada must not give in to corporate bullies like Crompton. Canada must demonstrate that it will not let narrow corporate interests dictate the health of its citizens," says Angela Rickman of Sierra Club Canada.
Lindane is a toxic pesticide that is already banned in the United States for use on canola crops, and California has banned its use as a head lice and scabies treatment. Lindane is classified as a possible human carcinogen by EPA, and a known carcinogen by the state of California. Other health concerns include mental impairment, seizures, respiratory failure, and endocrine disruption. Lindane is also toxic to the environment and persists in both soil and water. Read more about lindane from our fact sheet. Contact Beyond Pesticides for more extensive information regarding lindane.
Read the submitted letter from IPEN. View the press release from Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA).