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Contamination by agro-chemicals and fertiliser is a serious problem.
Pesticide use in Thailand increased nearly six-fold from 1976 to 1989, and the
application rate and misuse have caused environmental and health concerns.
Cambodia and Vietnam have commenced agricultural intensification, hence, their
use of agro-chemicals can be expected to increase but, compared to their Thai
counterparts, Cambodian and Vietnamese farmers have little knowledge of correct
usage. Banned chemicals, such as lindane, DDT, furan and parathion methyl,
are still available.
Pesticides in some samples of surface water in the Mekong Delta have been found
to exceed WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.
http://www.mst.dk/danced031/03100100/03100103.htm
Substances scheduled for restrictions on use are listed in annex II. The
Protocol severely restricts the use of DDT, HCH (including lindane) and PCBs.
Limited uses for which there are no adequate substitutes, can be exempted. DDT
will be allowed for public health emergencies. The elimination of the use of
identifiable PCBs in equipment should be as soon as possible, but no later than
31 December 2010 or 31 December 2015 for CET countries.
United Arab Emirates have now banned Lindane. May 2000. |