70 CHEMICALS USED IN U.S. FARMS BUT BANNED HERE

WEEDKILLERS

Acifluorfen Can cause cancer, according to California ruling.

Ametryn Very toxic to aquatic life. Asulam EU says is ‘likely’ to cause cancer and birth defects and damage fertility.

Atrazine Damages organs if used repeatedly over time.

Bensulide Likely cause of cancer and birth defects.

Bromacil Potentially causes cancer and DNA genes to mutate. Butralin Suspected of damaging fertility.

Cycloate Harmful if inhaled and may cause allergic skin reactions. Chlorthal-dimethyl Leaches into groundwater, damaging wildlife. Dichlobenil May poison drinking water. Dimethenamid Contaminates groundwater. EPTC EU says increases colon and prostate cancer risk. Flumetsulam Toxic to aquatic life. Fluridone Potentially harmful to humans. Fomesafen May cause cancer and harms unborn babies.

Fosamine Potentially toxic and an irritant to bare skin. Hexazinone Potential cause of cancer, can lead to mutations in human DNA and prevent pregnancy.

Imazapyr EU says may cause cancer and kidney damage. Imazethapyr Associated with increased risk of bladder and colon cancer.

Lactofen Very toxic to aquatic life. Linuron Commonly used in potato farming and banned as causes toxic damage to fish.

Metolachlor Classified as a ‘possible human carcinogen’ by US officials.

MSMA Contains arsenic which is highly toxic to humans.

Norflurazon Potential to cause cancer and genetic mutations, and damage sexual function.

Orthosulfamuron High risk of leaching into groundwater.

Paraquat May cause damage to the kidneys, liver and oesophagus. Primisulfuron EU says could cause cancer and damage sexual organs. Prometryn Linked to lung cancer. Propanil Has caused cancer in animals and linked to cancer cases among farm workers.

Propazine Suspected of causing cells to mutate and become cancerous. Quinclorac Possible kidney and liver toxicant. WHO warns poses ‘potential hazards’ to children. Sethoxydim EU says may cause cancer. Simazine Fears it pollutes groundwater. Tebuthiuron Potential to cause cancers. Terbacil EU says is very toxic to wildlife. Triasulfuron Potential groundwater contaminant. Trifluralin ‘High risk’ to aquatic life.

INSECTICIDES

Acephate Contaminates groundwater and is toxic to wildlife. Acetochlor The EU says it is potentially toxic to humans. Bifenthrin Fatal if swallowed. Causes damage to organs.

Carbaryl May cause cancer. Chloropicrin Potential high risk to wildlife.

Clothianidin Can cause damage to nervous system.

Diazinon Reportedly toxic to humans. Dichloropropene Fatal if swallowed or breathed in. Fenpropathrin Potential cause of cancer and can damage fertility. Hydramethylnon Causes damage to organs through prolonged exposure.

Naled Linked to Parkinson’s.

Phorate Highly toxic to mammals and bees. Potassium silicate Concerns it causes eye damage.

Propargite Associated with stomach cancers.

Terbufos Linked with prostate cancers.

Thiamethoxam Harmful for bees. Thiodicarb Known as an ‘acute dietary risk’ which can cause illness in children.

FERTILISERS

Cyanamide Suspected of causing cancer, damaging fertility and unborn children, and may cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure. Gamma aminobutyric acid Banned over concerns it causes liver damage in humans.

TCMTB Listed in US as cancer risk.

FUNGUS-KILLER

Cinnamaldehyde Can cause a severe eye and skin irritation. Dicloran Scientists warn may damage reproductive organs and harm children’s growth. Fentin hydroxide Suspected of causing cancer and damaging unborn children. Dicrotophos Highly toxic to mammals. Iprodione Linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Oxytetracycline Used to kill bacteria, but there are concerns that it damages sexual functions and fertility. Phosphoric acid Fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed, and may cause cancer by inhalation.

Picoxystrobin Suspected to damage fertility and may cause harm to organs.

Quintozene Has caused cancer in laboratory animal tests.

Streptomycin Potential cause of cancer. Triadimefon Linked to cancers and birth defects.

OTHERS

Sulphuric acid Used to dry crops. Causes severe skin burns.

Tribufos Strips leaves from plants. Known to cause lung cancer in high doses.