Colombia’s War on Cocaine Poses Serious Health Risks to Rural Communities

Colombia is set to reinstate a cocaine eradication program as part of their war on cocaine that many fear could cause cancer in rural communities.

The program uses herbicides to destroy coca crops.

In 2013, the country cut back on such measures, citing health risks posed to local communities as a result of the airdropped chemicals, and banned the use of the herbicide glyphosate when the World Health Organization declared it carcinogenic.  But since then, coca production again rose 39%, prompting the Colombian government to re-evaluate their approach.

Re-introducing aerial spraying could mean dangerous side effects in affected communities.  So, what is the solution to Colombia’s cocaine war?

Cocaine production and use poses deadly risks to everyone involved – not just the user.  Watch the full video, The cocaine war isn’t over.