UK Exported 8,500 Tonnes of Banned Pesticides in 2023

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In 2023, the UK exported 8,500 tonnes of banned pesticides, with 5,123 tonnes of diquat sent to Brazil, leading to a 1,600% surge in usage and a tripling of poisoning cases in Paraná.

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Valdemar Postanovicz was paralyzed and experienced other symptoms after he sprayed diquat-based Reglone on his tobacco crop.

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The UK exported more than 8,489 tonnes of prohibited pesticides in 2023, with diquat contributing the majority.

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Brazil's use of diquat jumped 1,600% following the prohibition of paraquat in 2020, boosting reported poisonings.

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It is estimated that for each reported case of diquat poisoning, 50 cases remain unreported.

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Most Brazilian farmers, unaware of the export prohibition, are surprised at the double standard in pesticide control.

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Almost half of Brazil's reported diquat poisoning cases between 2018-2022 were suicide attempts.

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Other nations, such as France and Belgium, have prohibited the export of toxic pesticides, but not the UK.

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Protective gear is sometimes impractical with heat, humidity, and poor visibility, making for greater risk of exposure.

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Experts and campaigners demand stronger regulations and safer substitutes to hazardous pesticides for farmers' and public protection.

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In 2023, the UK exported 8,500 tonnes of banned pesticides, with 5,123 tonnes of diquat sent to Brazil, leading to a 1,600% surge in usage and a tripling of poisoning cases in Paraná.​