The demand for a complete global ban on hazardous pesticides like chlorpyrifos has been reinvigorated once again. At an ongoing meeting in Geneva under the Stockholm Convention, scientists and representatives from Pesticide Action Network (PAN) International have recommended that this chemical pesticide be listed in Annex A without any exemptions.
Annex A is an official appendix of the Stockholm Convention, listing dangerous chemicals — such as pesticides and industrial substances —that must be completely banned or eliminated worldwide. Chemicals or pesticides included in Annex A without exemptions are prohibited from global production, use, import and export.
The Stockholm Convention is an international treaty aimed at phasing out or strictly controlling the production, use, trade and emissions of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The current meeting, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, began on April 28 and will continue until May 9, 2025.
At the review meeting, PAN International’s senior scientist, Emily Marquez, stated that even low levels of chlorpyrifos can severely impact children’s brain development, with lifelong consequences. She further noted that the pesticide is not confined to agricultural fields but has also been detected in remote regions like the Arctic, highlighting its long-term environmental persistence.
Additionally, arguments for banning the pesticide were reinforced by findings from the POPs Review Committee (POPRC), established under the Stockholm Convention. The committee concluded that chlorpyrifos meets all criteria for a global phased-out ban.
Meanwhile, AD Dileep Kumar, PAN India’s chief executive, highlighted its impact in India, revealing that chlorpyrifos residues have been found in agricultural produce, water, human blood and even breast milk. A 2003 Indian study reported levels 41 times higher than the safety limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
He warned that the chemical endangers the health of both farmers and consumers. Moreover, traces in international trade could severely damage India’s agricultural exports.
Alia Dianah, Project Coordinator of PAN Asia Pacific, expressed particular concern for developing nations: "Such pesticides disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Even unborn children are at risk, suffering permanent damage to intelligence and memory."
All three organisations emphasised that safe and effective alternatives —including agroecological and organic pest management techniques—already exist for all current uses of chlorpyrifos. Therefore, there is no scientific or commercial justification for its continued use.
Speakers unanimously urged that chlorpyrifos be added to the Stockholm Convention's Annex A without exemptions, ensuring a global ban on this toxic pesticide.