Protect Californians From Dangerous Pesticides: Stop Methyl Iodide Use in Farming
- destinatario: Governor Brown
What do California fruits and vegetables have to do with cancer? They might start causing it!
Recently the carcinogenic chemical methyl iodide was approved as a pesticide on California farms, and it could have serious health ramifications, including the development of cancer and depression of the central nervous system.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation not only approved the use of methyl iodide, but set acceptable exposure levels 120 times above what is recommended by its own scientists. This puts agricultural workers at risk, as well as the children and families of those who live near fields where this pesticide will be used.
Demand safe farming practices and protect the health and safety of Californians by asking Governor Brown to support a ban on methyl iodide use.
Dear Governor Brown,
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation disregarded for the safety of Californians by allowing for the use methyl iodide in farming.
Methyl iodide has been shown to be both a carcinogen and a neurotoxin. Its use puts farm workers as well as the general public at risk. For farm workers, the DPR's own scientists recommended an exposure level of 0.8 parts per billion. The exposure level for farm workers the DPR proposes is at 96 parts per billion. That's 120 times what the recommended exposure in an eight hour period.
Methyl iodide is not safe for California's public, and the DPR is dangerously ignoring its own findings.
Please stop the use of methyl iodide on California farms and protect the people of the state.
