Protect our Farmworkers and Children from Pesticides

Farmworkers are exposed to high levels of pesticides everyday and have contaminated clothing, food and water. These dangerous pesticides are linked to cancer, birth defects, brain damage and other severe health effects. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, farmworkers suffer the highest rate of chemical-related illness of any occupational group.

Many farmworkers' children come along to help in the fields or because there is no available childcare. Children are even more vulnerable than adults to the effects of pesticides because they consume more food, water and air per unit of body weight.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established the Worker Protection Standard, which calls for basic safety training. Unfortunately, the standard has had lax enforcement and has not been effective in protecting the health of farmworkers or their children.

Farmworkers and their children have the right to be free from contamination. Demand accountability from the EPA and tell them to secure the safety of farmworkers and their children.