Pesticide regulation, utilization, and retailers' selling practices in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: current situation and needed changes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore pesticide regulation in Trinidad and Tobago, and to ascertain pesticide utilization and retailers' selling practices on Trinidad, which is the larger of twin islands that constitute the republic of Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: Between February and June 2005, agrochemical retailers in Trinidad were surveyed about the most frequently sold pesticides and their knowledge and practices of pesticide sale. The Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of the Ministry of Health informed on legislature. RESULTS: Of 107 actively trading licensed pesticide outlets, 97 participated (91% response rate) in the survey. Currently only 2.9% (21) of 720 registered products from four chemical classes are frequently utilized. Paraquat, methomyl, and alpha-cypermethrin (respective trade names are Gramoxone, Lannate, and Fastac) from World Health Organization (WHO) Hazard Classes I and II, and glyphosate isopropylamine (Swiper, Class U) are the most frequently purchased pesticides. Pet shops constitute 39.2% (38) of retail shops selling pesticides. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and children may purchase them. Inadequate human and technical resources render legislative controls ineffective and disciplinary action against offenders is weak. Extensive governmental resources are employed in legislative procedures and product approval for the very low, 2.9% utilization rate, negatively impacting on monitoring pesticide sales. The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) does not liaise with the Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board or provide educational interventions for the community. As a result of this survey, it was possible to develop the first database to include the chemical, brand, and colloquial names of pesticides used in Trinidad and Tobago; WHO classification of approved pesticides; manufacturers; packaging; and antidotes and their availability for use by the Board and health professionals in Trinidad. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent critical evaluation of legislation regarding pesticide imports and use, and partnership with the Rotterdam Convention are recommended for Trinidad and Tobago. A strengthened Poisons Information Centre can provide educational initiatives and information on early management of pesticide exposure.

Pesticide regulation, utilization, and retailers' selling practices in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: current situation and needed changes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore pesticide regulation in Trinidad and Tobago, and to ascertain pesticide utilization and retailers' selling practices on Trinidad, which is the larger of twin islands that constitute the republic of Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: Between February and June 2005, agrochemical retailers in Trinidad were surveyed about the most frequently sold pesticides and their knowledge and practices of pesticide sale. The Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of the Ministry of Health informed on legislature. RESULTS: Of 107 actively trading licensed pesticide outlets, 97 participated (91 per cent response rate) in the survey. Currently only 2.9 per cent (21) of 720 registered products from four chemical classes are frequently utilized. Paraquat, methomyl, and alpha-cypermethrin (respective trade names are Gramoxone, Lannate, and Fastac) from World Health Organization (WHO) Hazard Classes I and II, and glyphosate isopropylamine (Swiper, Class U) are the most frequently purchased pesticides. Pet shops constitute 39.2 per cent (38) of retail shops selling pesticides. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and children may purchase them. Inadequate human and technical resources render legislative controls ineffective and disciplinary action against offenders is weak. Extensive governmental resources are employed in legislative procedures and product approval for the very low, 2.9 per cent utilization rate, negatively impacting on monitoring pesticide sales. The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) does not liaise with the Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board or provide educational interventions for the community. As a result of this survey, it was possible to develop the first database to include the chemical, brand, and colloquial names of pesticides used in Trinidad and Tobago;...

Pesticide regulation, utilization, and retailers' selling practices in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: current situation and needed changes

Objective: To explore pesticide regulation in Trinidad and Tobago, and to ascertain pesticide utilization and retailers' selling practices on Trinidad, which is the larger of twin islands that constitute the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: Between February and June 2005, agrochemical retailers in Trinidad were surveyed about the most frequently sold pesticide and their knowledge and practices of pesticide sale. The Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of the Ministry of Health informed on legislature. Results: Of 107 actively trading licensed pesticide outlets, 97 participated (91 percent response rate) in the survey. Currently only 2.9 percent (21) of 720 registered products from four chemical classes are frequently utilized. Paraquat, methomyl, and alpha-cypermethrin (respective trade names are Gramoxone, Lannate and Fastac) from World Health Organization (WHO) Hazard Classes I and II, and glyphosate isopropylamine (Swiper, Class U) are the most frequently purchased pesticides. Pet shops constitute 39.2 percent (38) of retail shops selling pesticides. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and children may purchase them. Inadequate human and technical resources render legislative controls ineffective and disciplinary action against offenders is weak. Extensive governmental resources are employed in legislative procedures and product approval for the very low, 2.9 percent utlization rate, negatively impacting on monitoring pesticide sales. The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) does not liaise with the Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board or provide educational interventions for the community. As a result of this survey, it was possible to develop the first database to include the chemical, brand and colloquial names of pesticide used in Trinidad and Tobago; WHO classification of approved pesticides; manufacturers; packaging and antidotes and their availability for use by the Board and health professionals in Trinidad. Conclusions: Urgent critical evaluation of legislation regarding pesticide imports and use, and partnership with the Rotterdam Convention are recommended for Trinidad and Tobago. A strengthened Poisons Information Centre can provide educational initiatives and information on early management of pesticide exposure (AU)

Pesticide regulation, utilization, and retailers' selling practices in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: current situation and needed changes

OBJECTIVE: To explore pesticide regulation in Trinidad and Tobago, and to ascertain pesticide utilization and retailers' selling practices on Trinidad, which is the larger of twin islands that constitute the republic of Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: Between February and June 2005, agrochemical retailers in Trinidad were surveyed about the most frequently sold pesticides and their knowledge and practices of pesticide sale. The Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of the Ministry of Health informed on legislature. RESULTS: Of 107 actively trading licensed pesticide outlets, 97 participated (91 percent response rate) in the survey. Currently only 2.9 percent (21) of 720 registered products from four chemical classes are frequently utilized. Paraquat, methomyl, and alpha-cypermethrin (respective trade names are Gramoxone, Lannate, and Fastac) from World Health Organization (WHO) Hazard Classes I and II, and glyphosate isopropylamine (Swiper, Class U) are the most frequently purchased pesticides. Pet shops constitute 39.2 percent (38) of retail shops selling pesticides. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and children may purchase them. Inadequate human and technical resources render legislative controls ineffective and disciplinary action against offenders is weak. Extensive governmental resources are employed in legislative procedures and product approval for the very low, 2.9 percent utilization rate, negatively impacting on monitoring pesticide sales. The Poisons Information Centre (PIC) does not liaise with the Poisons and Toxic Chemicals Control Board or provide educational interventions for the community. As a result of this survey, it was possible to develop the first database to include the chemical, brand, and colloquial names of pesticides used in Trinidad and Tobago; WHO classification of approved pesticides; manufacturers; packaging; and antidotes and their availability for use by the Board and health professionals...

OBJETIVO: Analizar la regulación de los pesticidas en Trinidad y Tobago y verificar la utilización y las prácticas de venta minorista de pesticidas en Trinidad, la mayor de las dos islas que componen la República de Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODOS: Entre febrero y junio de 2005 se realizó una encuesta a los vendedores minoristas de sustancias químicas de Trinidad sobre los pesticidas más frecuentemente vendidos, así como sobre sus conocimientos y las prácticas de venta de pesticidas. La Junta de Control de Venenos y Sustancias Tóxicas (JCVST) del Ministerio de Salud informó sobre la legislación vigente. RESULTADOS: De 107 tiendas autorizadas que comerciaban activamente con pesticidas, 97 participaron en este estudio (tasa de respuesta de 91 por ciento). Solo 21 (2,9 por ciento) de los 720 productos registrados de cuatro clases de sustancias se utilizan con frecuencia. Los productos paraquat, metomil y alfacipermetrina (cuyos nombres comerciales respectivos son Gramoxone, Lannate y Fastac) pertenecientes a las clases de riego I y II de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la isopropilamina de glifosato (Swiper, Clase U) son los pesticidas más frecuentemente adquiridos. Las tiendas de mascotas constituyen 39,2 por ciento (38 unidades) de las tiendas minoristas que participaron en el estudio. No hay regulaciones que normen la venta de pesticidas a los agricultores y los niños pueden comprarlos. Los recursos humanos y técnicos inadecuados hacen inefectivos los controles legislativos y las medidas disciplinarias contra los infractores son débiles. Se emplean considerables recursos gubernamentales en procedimientos legislativos y en la aprobación de productos de muy baja (2,9 por ciento) tasa de utilización, lo que afecta negativamente en el monitoreo de las ventas de pesticidas. El Centro de Información sobre Venenos no coordina sus acciones con la JCVST ni ofrece intervenciones educativas para la comunidad. Como resultado de este...

Blood lead levels in primary school children in Trinidad and Tobago.

This study is the first national baseline survey of blood lead levels (BLLs) conducted on primary school children (ages 5-7 years) in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 1,761 students from 61 schools participated in the study over a 3-month period. Measurements of capillary BLLs were assessed as well as responses to a risk assessment questionnaire. BLLs ranged from <1 microg/dL to 28.6 microg/dL with a geometric mean of 2.8 microg/dL, which compared favourably with results from the U.S. 1991-94 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Fifteen (0.9%) children had a BLL>or=10 microg/dL (10.8-28.6 microg/dL) of which three (0.2%) met the U.S. criteria for lead poisoning (BLL>or=20 microg/dL). Further environmental investigations are required to identify source(s) of lead exposure in cases with high BLL.

Evidence for the interruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis among schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago.

This study was carried out to provide some evidence for the interruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) among schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago. A cross-sectional survey for LF antigenaemia was performed among 63 (13.2%) of the 479 primary schools located in eight administrative (and geographical) regions of Trinidad and Tobago. From these communities, 2597 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years were sequentially selected for a survey of bancroftian antigenaemia. From each child, 100 microl (finger-prick) whole blood sample was applied to a Binax immunochromatographic card test (ICT), and read for the presence of antigenaemia. The ICT results showed a negative finding for LF antigenaemia and suggest that LF transmission has been interrupted in the survey areas.