Pesticide related deaths have come down drastically over the years due to the creation of awareness among the public on the risk free use of these chemicals, Professor, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ravindra Fernando said. Addressing a seminar for journalists at the Health Education Bureau by the WHO, Prof. Fernando said the use of pesticide is essential as approximately 50% of crops are lost to weeds and pests before, during and after the harvest, which is now avoidable. These pesticides must used according to advice and instructions given on the label of the container as pesticides are designed to be toxic and intentionally dispersed in the environment. Sri Lanka has forbidden import of extremely toxic chemicals to Sri Lanka but still unsafe use of pesticide has posed a considerable threat to those who use them in farming. Hence, it is compulsory to strictly adhere to the instructions given when pesticides are used,' Prof. Fernando said. Dr. D.K.Munaweera, Registrar of Pesticides, said 28 chemicals and 32 formulations had been banned from import due to their extremely hazardous nature and chronic health effects since 1980. "A large majority of Farmers and those engaged in agriculture are under constant threat for not using the recommended dosage of pesticide and had symptoms of acute toxicity following spray meeting with skin etc. About 20% have undergone at least one hospital admission due to careless and inadequate protective measures while spraying,' he said. Use of pesticide is an essential evil in a world where demand for food is rapidly increasing. To reduce the risk highly hazardous pesticides have to be banned, judicious use has to be assured and proper labeling with proper pack size, distribution and proper handling instructions given is essential. The limited accessibility and the introduction of more and more alternatives are useful, Dr. Munaweera said. Prof. Diyanath Smarasinghe, K. Nanayakkara, K. Piyasena and Dr. B.A.Lamabadusooriya also spoke.