The Brazilian National Commission on Chemical Safety (CONASQ) has approved a proposal to restrict the use of hazardous substances in electronic and electrical products. This decision was reached during a meeting, held on February 25 at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) headquarters in Brasília.

Drafted by the Temporary Working Group on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (GTT-RoHS), the proposed resolution will now be reviewed by the National Environmental Council (Conama).The targeted hazardous substances, including heavy metals, flame retardants, and plasticizers, are commonly found in electronic waste such as mobile phones, computers, and kitchen appliances. Due to their risks to human health and the environment, they are to be replaced with safer alternatives.

Additional Measures

The meeting of CONASQ brought together representatives from the federal government, civil society, and industry. The commission also voted to extend the mandate of the Working Group on Chemicals in Plastics, which contributes to discussions on the development of an international treaty to combat plastic pollution—a matter still under negotiation among nations.

Other topics addressed during the meeting included the National Program for the Reduction of Pesticides (Pronara) and an updated National Diagnosis for the National Plan for Prevention, Preparedness, and Rapid Response to Environmental Emergencies Involving Hazardous Chemical Products (P2R2). Additionally, a permanent working group was established to oversee this initiative. The next CONASQ plenary meeting is scheduled for June.

On February 20, 2025, Brazil officially launched the "Environmental Monitoring Strategy for PFOS and Pesticides," a groundbreaking initiative to track pesticide contamination and enhance public health. This strategic program is a collaboration between the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), and the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). The initiative focuses on systematically collecting data on persistent pollutants like PFOS, a toxic chemical linked to pesticide use.

Key Objectives of Brazil’s Pesticide Monitoring Initiative

Spanning a three-year period, the environmental monitoring strategy aims to track the presence of 53 active pesticide ingredients across Brazil. By analyzing contamination levels, the program will:

• Strengthen public policies for environmental protection and human health.

• Ensure agricultural sustainability by promoting responsible pesticide use.

• Align Brazil’s agricultural industry with international environmental regulations.

PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) is particularly concerning due to its persistence in the environment and accumulation in living organisms. As a globally recognized pollutant, monitoring its presence will help mitigate risks and support cleaner agricultural practices.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil

This initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and food safety. By closely tracking pesticide residues, Brazil is reinforcing its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. The collected data will:

• Enhance the quality and safety of agricultural products.

• Support compliance with global environmental standards, such as the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions.

• Improve the sustainability of Brazil’s agricultural exports by aligning with stringent international pesticide regulations.

Brazil’s Commitment to Global Environmental Standards

Led by Embrapa Meio Ambiente, the research division of Embrapa, the study is funded by the MMA and builds on previous agro-environmental monitoring efforts. The initiative aligns with global agreements regulating persistent organic pollutants and ensures Brazil remains competitive in the international agricultural market.

Strengthening Brazil’s Environmental Monitoring Capabilities

Brazil’s launch of the "Environmental Monitoring Strategy for PFOS and Pesticides" marks a major milestone in environmental sustainability. By improving pesticide management, strengthening food safety, and supporting global trade competitiveness, the initiative will drive long-term benefits for public health, ecosystems, and Brazil’s agricultural sector. For more details you can consult the news (in Portughese) here.