In the absence of environmentally sound disposal facilities, stocks are constantly increasing. FAO is calling for a concerted global effort to dispose of this hazardous waste and to avoid further accumulations. Leakage, seepage and various accidents related to pesticides are quite common and widespread. Storage conditions rarely meet internationally accepted standards. Many pesticide containers deteriorate and leak their contents into the soil, contaminating groundwater and the environment.
Most stores are in the centres of urban areas or close to public dwellings.
In Africa and the Near East, obsolete pesticides have become a source of great environmental concern, the report said. Some stocks are over 30 years old and are kept in poor conditions with few or no safety precautions. There is not a single country that is not affected by the serious environmental hazards associated with obsolete pesticides. Unless quick action is taken, the situation can be both catastrophic and irreversible, FAO said. Over the years, an enormous variety of pesticides have been imported by developing countries as donations from aid agencies or governments.