Risk Assessment in a Third-world Reality: An Endosulfan Case History

Abstract

The author describes the chain of frustrated attempts to regulate the use of the toxic pesticide endosulfan in the Philippines in the face of opposition from its internationally powerful manufacturer. Risk assessment, although purportedly a science-based system to protect public health and the environment, has failed to do so, particularly in vulnerable third-world countries. The precautionary principle, based on preventing risk rather than assessing established risk, holds hope for resolution of the problem.

Keywords:

• toxic pesticides
• Philippines
• legislation
• corporate influence
• public health
• international corporations