Despite warnings from multiple scientific sources leading to its ban in the US and Europe, a Belgian company continues to produce an insecticide and export it to developing countries. While the practice is legal, it raises questions. The insecticide in question is chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate used to control harmful aphids, caterpillars, and certain flies in various crops. However, following years of scientific warnings, the use of chlorpyrifos was banned in Europe in February 2020 due to health and environmental concerns. Despite other countries taking action earlier, Belgium waited until this date to ban the insecticide. The full article is reserved for subscribers only.
Despite multiple scientific alerts that led to its ban in the United States and Europe, an insecticide continues to be produced by a Belgian company and exported to developing countries. A practice which is not illegal but which raises questions.
By Michel De Muelenaere and Kristof Clerix («Knack»)
Lhe chlorpyrifos is one of the most problematic pesticides for health and the environment. Marketed for the first time in 1965 by the American company Dow to replace the catastrophic DDT, this organophosphate is used to combat aphids, caterpillars and certain flies considered harmful in many crops (spinach, citrus fruits, avocados, rice, cereals, vegetables , soy, almonds, corn, etc.). It serves, or rather it served: following years of scientific warnings, the use of the neurotoxic and endocrine disruptor chlorpyrifos was banned in Europe in February 2020. Unlike other countries which had taken the lead in At the time, Belgium waited for this date to ban the controversial insecticide.
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In conclusion, the continued production and exportation of chlorpyrifos by a Belgian company despite its ban in developed countries raises serious questions regarding corporate responsibility and ethical practices. As with many similar cases, the lack of legal prohibitions presents a complex challenge for regulatory bodies seeking to protect public health and the environment. It is our hope that increased public awareness and pressure will encourage companies to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices over profit margins.
