Global usage of selected persistent organochlorines

Information on historical and future trends in use and emissions of persistent organochlorines on a global scale is essential for interpreting present and predicting future environmental concentrations of these compounds in remote regions. In this study, which is now a recognized project under the Global Emissions Inventory Activity of the International Geosphere Biosphere Program, information on registration status, trends in regional use/emissions, and mode and time of applications of 10 pesticides is being compiled. Results pertaining to four pesticides are presented here. The cumulative global usage accounted for (in metric tonnes) is 450 000 for toxaphene, 1 500 000 for DDT, 550 000 for technical HCH, and 720 000 for lindane. The interpolated usage of toxaphene and DDT was 1 330 000 and 2 600 000 tonnes from 1950 to 1993 and 670 000 and 990 000 tonnes from 1970 to 1993. The compounds are still legally used in several countries, and illegal use in other countries has been suggested. International cooperation, changes in legislations and regulations, and improved record keeping by governments and other bodies are required to restrict usage, as well as to improve the estimates.