Pesticide methamidophos may no longer be sold in Brazil

As from July 2012, pesticide methamidophos is banned from the Brazilian market. Due to health problems related to the product use, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) determined in January 2011 to withdraw this pesticide from the domestic market.

Toxicological studies indicate that methamidophos is accountable for damages in embryo and fetal development. In addition, the product has neurotoxic and immunotoxic characteristics, also being toxic for the endocrine and the reproductive systems.

"Along the process of discussion with the several sectors of society on the withdrawal of the product from the market, there was no evidence that the product is safe for people’s health”, Anvisa director José Agenor Álvares explains. In Brazil, the pesticide was used for pest control on cotton, peanut, potato, bean, soybean, industrial use tomato, and wheat crops.

Methamidophos has been banned in China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Japan, Cote d'Ivoire, and Samoa. The pesticide was also banned in the European Community.