Bystander Exposure
BYSTANDER EXPOSURE
BACKGROUND
In 2003 the Government consulted on the introduction of no-spray zones around residential properties and on public access to farmers' spray records. Subsequently the Government rejected the need for buffer strips and asked the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution to examine the science used to assess the risks to people from crop spraying. The Commission's report will be published on 22 September 2005.
KEY POINTS
* Our products are safe when used correctly. The UK regulatory system is amongst the most robust and comprehensive on the world. As the manufacturing industry, it is our role to comply with the regulatory requirements which are designed to protect human and environmental health.
*
* No reputable scientist promises zero risk. Science is continuously evolving. Regulators have the power to initiate further research if new information arises.
*
* If an accident happens, everything must be done to ensure it is dealt with professionally and steps are taken to avoid a recurrence.
*
* On the few occasions where misuse occurs, we fully support strict enforcement.
It is essential to read the label and act responsibly.
* The statutory Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides gives users comprehensive guidance. It has just been revised and will be out soon.
*
* In addition, the Voluntary Initiative is pushing forward best practice.
* "When we carry out risk assessments for pesticides we make no assumption that any form of buffer zone will be applied to protect human health and, if we thought that a buffer zone was necessary to protect or to provide adequate reassurance of safety for bystanders or neighbours, then we wouldn't want the pesticide used at all."
(Professor David Coggon, Chairman of the ACP on BBC Radio 4, 27 July 2005)
OTHER POINTS
* There is no evidence of the need for buffer strips on health grounds.
*
* The regulators' view is that "based on all the available evidence, current safeguards on crop spraying provide a high degree of protection to health and reassurance to the public". (Prof Coggon, Defra press release, 16 June 2004).
*
* All who use our products must make sure that they apply them according to the Government approved label instructions.
* In addition, we have COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) This includes a legal requirement for pesticide users to do an assessment and ensure that steps are taken to avoid exposure of employees and members of the public.
* Comparisons with the USA are misleading. They still use aerial crop spraying - a practice that was stopped in the UK last century.
