on march 13, an expert group with the un's Rotterdam Convention has recommended for the inclusion of the pesticides, alachlor and aldicarb, in its Prior Informed Consent list. The procedure acts as a warning system that empowers countries, if needed, to restrict the import of chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment.

The list at present includes 28 pesticides and 11 industrial chemicals. Aldicarb, used on fruits and vegetables, is classified extremely hazardous by the World Health Organization and is toxic to aquatic organisms. Alachlor, a weed-killer used in soybean, maize and cotton production, is also toxic to aquatic organisms. The Chemical Review Committee's decision is based on its review of regulatory decisions taken in several countries to ban the use of the chemicals "due to risks to human health or the environment', said the Geneva-based group in a press release.

The fourth meeting of the conference of the parties to the Rotterdam Convention against unwanted trade on such chemicals in Rome in October 2008 will decide on whether to include two another pesticides, tributyl tin compounds and endosulfan in the same list. It will also consider the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos.