The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has announced an immediate ban on the importation of the chemical substance, Malathion which is used in many countries in the eradication of mosquitoes.
According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, the chemical is an organophosphate insecticide which acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
It said malathion is an insecticide which is commonly used not only to control mosquitoes but also to control a variety of insects that attack fruits, vegetables, landscaping plants and shrubs.
Malathion is one of the insecticides used in fogging in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Another insecticide used in fogging is permethrin.
The Ministry Agriculture and the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MHWE) together are considering alternatives to fogging.
The release said that while fogging is an effective strategy currently used in the control of the spread of mosquitoes, the use of Malathion has been highlighted as having a devastating impact on bees which are needed for pollination. Hence this chemical has had a negative impact on plant pollination and food production, which will also affect food security.
Minister of Agriculture, Saboto views the ban on the importation of Malathion as another success in the country’s quest to create a cleaner and healthier environment.
According to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio) the ban on the use of Malathion is set to become effective on December 31, 2022.
RELATED ARTICLE: 15-year-old girl is eighth recorded dengue death in SVG
Facebook