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Street Pesticides and Child Deaths
Context:
The issue of street pesticides in South Africa, particularly in its townships, has been a long-standing and deadly problem.
What are street pesticides?
- Encompass various chemicals, including insecticides, rodenticides, and herbicides, that are often sold illegally for domestic use despite being registered solely for agricultural applications.
- Common types include organophosphates like Terbufos and methamidophos, which are highly toxic and pose serious health risks when misused.
- The primary goal of using pesticides in these settings is pest control—specifically targeting rodents and insects that plague low-income communities. However, the lack of regulation and oversight means that many products are used improperly or sold without adequate safety warnings.
Background:
- Street pesticides, typically registered for agricultural use, are misused in homes and include highly hazardous substances like organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids.
- Recently, tragic incidents have drawn attention to the dangers of street pesticides.
- Over 20 children have died from exposure to these toxins, with one high-profile case occurring in Naledi, Soweto in October 2024, where six children died after ingesting food tainted by pesticide contamination.
- The government declared a national disaster related to food-borne illnesses in response to these incidents.
- Over 20 children have died from exposure to these toxins, with one high-profile case occurring in Naledi, Soweto in October 2024, where six children died after ingesting food tainted by pesticide contamination.
- The problem is compounded by the high levels of pest infestations in informal settlements, where residents use street pesticides to combat rats, bedbugs, cockroaches, and flies.
- Due to the overuse of commercial pesticides, many pests have developed resistance, leading people to turn to street pesticides for more effective results.
Research Findings:
- An environmental health researcher from the University of Cape Town has been studying this issue since 2008. Research identifies pesticides such as Terbufos, a toxic organophosphate, as a significant cause of death in children.
- A 2023 study revealed that out of 50 children examined in a mortuary, 29 died from Terbufos. This compound is a recognised extremely hazardous pesticide according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Role of Informal Markets:
- Street pesticides are often sold by informal vendors in markets, taxi ranks, and on trains.
- These vendors acquire pesticides from agricultural cooperatives, garden shops, and middlemen, bypassing regulations and safety standards.
- The lack of proper labelling and the illegal repackaging of these substances increase the risk of accidental ingestion by children.
Health Risks Associated with Street Pesticides:
- Short-Term Effects: Immediate health issues such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, nausea, and headaches. Their developing immune systems make them particularly susceptible to these adverse effects.
- Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure can lead to severe health conditions including cancers and developmental disorders.
- Specific Vulnerabilities of Children: Due to their developing bodies and frequent hand-to-mouth behaviour that increases exposure—such as frequent outdoor play, and closer contact with contaminated surfaces.
Legislation and Enforcement Gaps:
- Outdated Legislation: South Africa’s pesticide laws are based on the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947), which does not adequately protect all populations, particularly children.
- No Specific Legislation for Children: There is no legislation specifically protecting children from pesticide exposure, despite their heightened vulnerability.
- Ineffective Enforcement: Enforcement of pesticide regulations is weak due to a lack of resources and personnel. Police are often tasked with enforcement, but they lack the expertise to address pesticide-specific violations.
- No Public Database: Information on registered pesticides is not publicly accessible. A database run by the pesticide industry is available but requires payment, and the Department of Agriculture no longer has the resources to maintain it.
Way Forward:
- Ban Highly Hazardous Pesticides: South Africa should follow the example of other countries and ban highly hazardous pesticides like Terbufos.
- The industry should contribute to funding government efforts through higher taxes and fees to support enforcement and education.
- Public Awareness: The public needs to be informed about the dangers of pesticides. Educating communities on non-toxic pest control alternatives is crucial.
- For example, the University of Cape Town’s Low Danger Pest Control Booklet for Communities provides an accessible guide to safer pest control options.
- Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis: Government laboratories need more resources to carry out toxicological tests quickly and effectively.
- A standardised death registry system could help track pesticide-related deaths more accurately and provide timely data to policymakers.
