Analysis of U.S. Custom Service records for 2001-2003
indicates that nearly 1.7 billion pounds of pesticide
products were exported from U.S. ports, a rate >32
tons/hour. Exports included >27 million pounds of
pesticides whose use is forbidden in the United States.
WHO Class 1a and 1b pesticides were exported at an
average rate of >16 tons/day. Pesticide exports
included >500,000 pounds of known or suspected carcinogens,
with most going to developing countries; pesticides
associated with endocrine disruption were
exported at an average rate of >100 tons/day. Although
the rate of export of banned products declined, as did
exports of pesticides included in global conventions on
Prior Informed Consent and Persistent Organic Pollutions,
substantial quantities of hazardous products
remain in trade. These products pose unacceptable
risks in countries where unsafe use and storage practices
are prevalent. Policy makers, growers, and scientists
must undertake more aggressive efforts to foster
sustainable agricultural practices globally