Demand that the EPA ends the use of killer pesticide.

  • by: Michael Taylor
  • recipient: Gina McCarthy is the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant, may cause burns, fatalities accompanied by coma and convulsions, or prolonged neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Yet it is still widely in use.

Mary and her father from Kansas City were exposed to Methyl bromide over 40 years ago; she still suffers the ill effects. Her father died, his last 11 years after exposure were spent in constant pain – limited to a wheelchair, he suffered a seizure every few minutes.

Then there is the case of a 74-year-old man who was accidentally exposed to methyl bromide after using an old fire extinguisher. Even though he eventually survived, he developed a severe multi-organ failure, including cerebral, renal, pulmonary, and cardiac dysfunctions and spent 2 months in intensive care unit.

Then there are the two greenhouse workers; they needed intensive care for several weeks because of severe reactive myoclonus and convulsions.

Month ago, a neurotoxin poisoned a family of four while on vacation on the Virgin Islands. The two teenage sons remain in comas. The neighborhood pest control sprayed a banned pesticide in the house below the families rented home. In late April, an expanded investigation by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uncovered the use of the banned pesticide in the fumigant responsible for the incident, methyl bromide, which was banned for structural use many years ago due to extreme health risks.

Although the exposures may not always cause seizures or a coma, it may cause other acute reactions, like headaches, dizziness, burning eyes or nausea - chronic exposures can lead to long-term problems, including Parkinson’s disease.

Yet, millions of pounds of the fumigant continue to be used in US agriculture.

Surely one death should be enough; surely based on all the evidence the EPA should have outlawed the use of this deadly poison decades ago. The EPA has the power to stop future methyl bromide poisonings, and we must insist that they do so. The alternative is just too horrific to comprehend. Death is excruciating and painful, and if it doesn’t kill you the rest of your life is one of constant pain and seizures.

The environmental and human health toxicity of the pesticide is well documented – the evidence is overwhelming and merits a full phase-out, without exceptions.

Stand with me, sign with me and demand that the EPA and federal government end the use of this killer poison now.

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