The export of pesticides: shipments from U.S. ports, 1995-1996

In 1995-96, 21 million pounds of pesticides that were forbidden to be used in the United States were exported from U.S. ports. This total, which includes domestically-banned and never-registered products, is on average 14 tons per day. In addition, more than 48 million pounds (24,000 tons) of extremely toxic pesticides were exported. Most of these pesticides were shipped to developing countries, despite extensive evidence of the need to restrict the export of hazardous pesticides from the United States to these countries to protect their workers' health and their environments. The National Environmental Protection Act presents a sensible and manageable policy that, if followed, could considerably alleviate the problem. Specifics are provided.