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Government has commissioned a $46M Chemicals Storage Facility as part of the measures being put into place to ensure safety.The facility, launched on Monday, is being housed in the compound of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos,Roger Staubach Cowboys Jersey, East Coast Demerara.Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (centre)during an inspection of the storage facility.The Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board (PTCCB) has been emphasizing the need for proper storage facility to house the many illegal pesticides entering Guyana.The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), according to the Government, currently has a project running to get rid of illegal chemicals across the region.While delivering remarks at the ceremony,Emmitt Smith Jersey, the FAO representative to Guyana, Rueben Robertson,Rico Gathers Cowboys Jersey, noted that the organisation has been assisting CARICOM member countries with the setting up of proper storage of obsolete chemicals.“We consider the challenges faced by each member state of CARICOM by ensuring the proper registration, storage,Brian Urlacher Jersey, use and distribution of these chemicals,” Robertson said.He also stressed the point of the need for more education and promotion of the proper use of pesticides, as this is only done during Pesticides Week.“It is (our) moral responsibility to inform our fellow man on the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.”During his address,Jason Witten Cowboys Jersey, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, stated that the use of toxic pesticides to manage pest problems has become a common practice around the world.“Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of human health illnesses, ranging from short-term impacts such as headaches and nausea,Deion Sanders Cowboys Jersey, to chronic impacts like cancer,William Perry Jersey, cognitive disorders, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. It is important to note that these health impacts are inherently linked to use practices.”As part of the Government’s mandate, the Minister hopes the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals also demonstrates the country’s commitment, since seven of these goals are integrally linked to chemicals management.The Minister mentioned that “using improper storage procedures is an open invitation for a disaster to happen. Nearly three-fourths of all pesticide accidents are non-use accidents,Dez Bryant Cowboys Jersey, often involving children less than 10 years of age. Improper pesticide storage is therefore dangerous to your health, your family and can harm the environment.”Invitees and other officials at the commissioning.It was also pointed out that very little was done to educate persons responsible for treating those who would have ingested or been exposed to these toxic chemicals, as well as the availability of antidotes to effectively treat these persons.The FAO is currently working with the Government of Guyana and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board to conduct training exercises, so that persons have the needed skills to treat those who would have ingested or been exposed to toxic chemicals.This is one of the many initiatives being put in place to address the issues being faced by Guyanese as it relates to the importation of illegal chemicals and the improper use of other toxins.The board has the responsibility to ensure all pesticide importers have the proper storage measures in place. Its members also carry out routine visits and inspections to importers’ facilities to ensure that they exercise the necessary safety precautions when it comes to the importation, handling and distribution of the toxic chemicals.Farmers and other persons who use toxic chemicals are also being encouraged use proper facilities to store their chemicals.There has been a rash of reported suicides over recent years from the deliberate use of pesticides and other chemicals,Deion Sanders Jersey, leading to calls for stricter monitoring and proper handling. |
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