Anvisa proposes to ban two organophosphorus insecticides

The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) recently opened the public consultation proposing to ban the use of two organophosphorus insecticides, parathion-methyl and phorate in the Brazilian market. Both products are already banned in the European Community and used with restrictions in the United States. The consultations are open for two months.

According to ANVISA, scientific studies show that the substances are harmful to health. The parathion-methyl causes problems in the endocrine, psychiatric disorders and affects the development of the embryo and fetus in pregnancy. The insecticide is approved to control pests in cotton plantations, garlic, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, corn, soybeans and wheat.

The phorate increases the risk of diabetes during pregnancy and affects the respiratory system and can lead to death from exposure to low doses. It is allowed to fight parasites and insects in cotton, peanuts, coffee, beans, corn, tomatoes and wheat.