15 EU-banned pesticide ingredients distributed domestically... Point out differences in risk assessment methods

(Jeongeup = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Dong-cheol = Among the pesticide ingredients banned by the European Union (EU) due to concerns about toxicity and environmental pollution, 15 types were found to be circulating in Korea.

According to data received from the Rural Development Administration on the 29th by Representative Yoon Jun-byeong of the Democratic Party of Korea (Jeongeup-si, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do), a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, a total of 15 types of pesticides, including benomyl, mancozeb, and thiacloprid, which have been expelled from the EU but are being distributed in Korea, were confirmed.

The EU evaluates the harmfulness of pesticides themselves and cancels registration if there are concerns.

On the other hand, Korea allows use by applying the 'risk assessment' method, which states that it is safe as long as the exposure amount during actual use is below the standard level.

However, since the actual exposure to pesticides may vary depending on the work environment and weather conditions, it is pointed out that field-based verification is needed rather than just relying on the standard values ​​at the time of registration.

In particular, the Rural Development Administration was found to have an insufficient follow-up management system after registration, unable to even keep track of statistics on crop damage caused by pesticides over the past five years.

Rep. Yoon urged, “The pesticide verification system must be completely reorganized, including investigating the actual exposure amount and combined exposure effects in agricultural fields,” and “The basis for maintaining the permit must be transparently disclosed and an effective follow-up management system must be established.”