But noose tightens

Endosulfan came close to being banned at the fourth meeting of the Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POP). The meeting was held in Geneva from October 13 to 17. It saw 24 of the 28 countries vote for inclusion of endosulfan in the
treaty's list of chemicals that need to be phased out. India and China refused to vote. India cited lack of evidence against endosulfan as the
reason, while Sierra Leone abstained from voting without giving reason. Germany being the chair also abstained. The committee concluded
that it was satisfied that endosulfan fulfilled the screening criteria, thus qualifying as a pop. Its inclusion in the POP
list will be decided in May, 2009, at the fifth Conference of Parties. Endosulfan is banned in 57 countries.