In the age of the internet and social media, illegal pesticides are proliferating across South Africa at an alarming rate. This is according to Hiresh Ramanand, stewardship coordinator for CropLife South Africa, who provides critical insights into the dangers of these products, and how consumers can protect themselves and their households
While counterfeit pesticides may appear identical to legitimate products, Ramanand emphasised that their contents often fall short in quality, failing to match up to their original counterparts. But it’s the burgeoning problem of illegal pesticides that is currently alarming CropLife South Africa.
“Illegal pesticides either lack a valid registration number or deviate from their original packaging and labels for resale,” explains Ramanand. “Unlike counterfeit pesticides, they don’t attempt to mimic original products, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous.”
Significant threats
The threats illegal pesticides pose to both households and crops are significant. They are often decanted from highly toxic products meant for farm use and sold in smaller bottles via social media platforms for household use. This illegal practice could have severe consequences for health and the environment.
“Without the original commercial labels, which contain critical safety information and usage instructions, consumers can’t apply these products safely or effectively,” warns Ramanand. “Children and pets are especially vulnerable, as they may ingest these substances leading to severe illness, or even death.”
Furthermore, illegal pesticides can fail to control pests, leading to devastating crop losses. They may also contain toxic substances in quantities unsafe for human consumption and harmful to local biodiversity. Without proper disposal instructions, these substances often end up contaminating soil and water resources, exacerbating their detrimental impact.
Serious health risks
Illegal pesticides can be procured from street vendors, small neighbourhood stores, and increasingly through social media platforms like Facebook marketplace. These products’ unknown content and the lack of application instructions can worsen infestations of disease-carrying pests like ticks, rodents, and cockroaches.
When quizzed about the alarming trend of individuals increasing dosages of inadequate pest control products, Ramanand stressed the increased health risks associated with this approach.
“This is a common practice where people fail to consider the potential dangers, not only to themselves but everyone in the household, including pets,” he warns.
Ramanand offers advice to consumers on avoiding illegal pesticides, emphasising the importance of purchasing from reputable suppliers. He lists a number of red flags such as unusual packaging, foreign language labels, dubious registration numbers, and an unfamiliar smell or appearance.
Scammers are at the top of their game
However, Ramanand concedes that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, urging consumers to educate themselves and seek advice when in doubt.
Should consumers come across illegal pesticides being advertised on social media platforms, he urges them to report these instances to the directorate for agriculture inputs control at the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, or to him directly.
Ramanand said CropLife SA is proud of its partnership with the inspectorate to crack down on the illegal sale of hazardous substances, including pure dichlorvos, via social media platforms. “The inspectorate has thus far made serious interventions in the sale of illegal pesticides and has had great success in confiscating large quantities of such illegal and highly hazardous products.”
He furthermore urges the public to always read product labels before purchasing. “If consumers follow all label directions, they will effectively manage the pest issue while reducing the risks of harming themselves, their pets, and the environment. The label provides the vital information consumers need to protect themselves, their family, and the environment.”
With illegal and unregistered pesticides posing a significant threat to South African households, CropLife South Africa’s advice has never been more vital. As consumers, remaining informed and vigilant is our strongest defence in ensuring the safety of our homes and our environment.
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