Karnataka decision on Endosulfan not based on Science

Endosulfan is not carcinogenic. US EPA has classified Endosulfan under Group-E (Evidence of non-carcinogenicity). (see below the image of original document from US EPA)

Dr Andrew McKenzie, Executive Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority said “The claim that endosulfan, among other pesticides, is a carcinogen is just plain wrong,” “While no-one can be 100% certain about anything, endosulfan has been specifically tested for carcinogenic potential and the World Health Organisation, United Nations Environment Programme and International Labour Organisation categorically state that endosulfan does not show any such potential. Equally any other chemical used in food production is extensively evaluated for safety to humans. Raising concerns of this sort for people, where no cause for them exists, is irresponsible,” said Dr McKenzie. “It is very difficult to counter the worries this will raise for people, and is particularly upsetting when we know the statement is patently untrue”.
Source:
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/media-releases/2006-03-03.htm

Endosulfan

Maslow's theory of hierarchy of needs is very relevant in understanding psychology of activists.

According to Maslow, human needs can be presented in form of a five-level pyramid with the most basic needs at the bottom of the pyramid and highest level needs at the top.

5. self-actualization (morality, creativity, achievement etc.)

4. esteem

3. belongingness

2. safety

1. physiological needs (food, clothing, shelter)

As per Maslow's theory, people will first try to satisfy their physiological i.e., lowest level needs such as food, clothing, shelter etc. Once the lowest order need is satisfied, they will try to satisfy higher level needs such as safety and belongingness. Once that is satisfied, they will think of esteem. And finally, when all lower order needs are satisfied, they will think of self-actualization.

This theory is applicable to activists. More particularly in developing countries like India, there is a problem of unemployment. To start with something, activists accept funds for campaigning. Sacrificing morality, they come out with tailor-made unscientific reports. Once they get addicted, they want to make a quick-buck through funded campaigns.

There is also a rush to claim "compensation" for which people try to prove that they are "endosulfan victims". Some politicians distribute funds to such victims despite the fact that the expert committee appointed by the government has concluded that there is no link between alleged health effects and Endosulfan.

Endosulfan on Wikipedia

Wikipedia - "the free encyclopedia" carries an article on Endosulfan. It is well known that activists love to hate Endosulfan, but how they make use of such free resources like wikipedia is really amazing. Try to add scientific information in the Endosulfan article on wikipedia and you will be surprized as the uploaded information will be deleted very soon. Activists are hired to monitor and use free resources such as wikipedia.