Residents of the village of Bolshaya Churakovka in the Kostanay Region reported an aircraft that flew over the settlement, spraying substances. The akimat of the Altynsarinsky District stated that, according to preliminary information, it may have been fertiliser rather than pesticides. However, there is still no official confirmation of what exactly was sprayed or whether the treatment took place directly over the village.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the publication ‘Nasha Gazeta’, a video of the aircraft over the village of Bolshaya Churakovka was received by the editorial office on 6 July. The author of the recording expressed concerns that the aerial treatment of fields may have been carried out directly over a residential area, and questioned the legality of such actions and their potential impact on human health.
The Deputy Akim of the Altynsarinsky District, Damir Kabiyev, told journalists that, according to preliminary data, fertiliser rather than pesticides was being sprayed from the air. He also promised to provide a written response to further questions.
WHAT REMAINS UNANSWERED
By the evening of 13 July, the editorial office had not received the promised response.
It also remains unclear whether a possible turn of the aircraft over the settlement constitutes a violation of current requirements and whether any measures will be taken. To obtain official clarifications, the editorial office intends to send a request to the akim of the Altynsarinsky District.
WHY THE SITUATION CAUSES CONCERN
Reports of possible spraying of any substances over a settlement generate public interest, as it is important during aerial treatment of agricultural land to prevent aerosols from spreading beyond the treated area. When using pesticides, potential health risks are assessed taking into account the composition of the substance and the conditions of its use.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The editorial team of FBRK has been analysing for the fourth consecutive year which preparations are used to control insects in different regions of Kazakhstan. Our investigations regularly reveal the use of dangerous chemical substances, including pesticides.
Aerial application of plant protection products and fertilisers is used in agriculture, but international recommendations provide for measures to prevent the drift of sprayed substances beyond the boundaries of treated fields. Potential risks include the spread of aerosols to neighbouring areas, including settlements.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that pesticides can have adverse effects on human health. Those in close proximity during treatment are at the greatest risk. The degree of potential impact depends on the specific substance, its concentration, and the conditions of use.
One of the most common active ingredients in herbicides is glyphosate. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ in terms of potential hazard, whereas the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers that, when used in accordance with the instructions, available data is insufficient to conclude a risk to human health.
Safety issues in the handling of agrochemicals regularly become a matter of public attention. Previously, in the North Kazakhstan Region, a 46-year-old machine operator died during field treatment. According to preliminary data, the cause of death was acute toxic poisoning from pesticides.
