Citation

Rosenthal E. Int. J. Occup. Environ. Health 2003; 9(1): 53-58.

Affiliation

Earthjustice, Red de Acción en Plaguicidas y sus Alternativas para América Latina, 426 17th Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. erosenthal@earthjustice,org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Maney Pub.)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12749631

Abstract

The pesticide poisoning deaths of 24 children in an isolated Peruvian village make a compelling case that corporate accountability for pesticide poisonings in the developing south should be examined from a human rights perspective. Highly toxic pesticides cannot be used safely under prevailing socioeconomic conditions. The industry asserts that the deaths of these children were accidental, blaming misuse. Tragedies such as these poisonings are not accidents, but foreseeable, and therefore preventable. Sales of highly toxic pesticides that cause repeated and predictable poisonings violate the fundamental human rights to life, health, and security of person. The Tauccamarca tragedy is a clear example of the urgency of applying a precautionary, human rights approach to pesticide issues in the developing south.

Language: en