Farmers And Environmentalists Fighting Off Toxic Pesticide From California Fields

[Omaha Steve]

http://newsjunkiepost.com/2009/10/06/farmers-and-environmentalists-fighting-off-toxic-pesticide-from-california-fields/

By Dolores M. Bernal

NEWS JUNKIE POST
Oct 6, 2009



Environmentalists and labor groups have joined forces to stop a new cancer-causing pesticide from being used in crops across California. The pesticide, commonly known as “MIDAS Soil Fumigant,” uses methyl iodide as its key ingredient. Methyl iodide is extremely great at killing bugs, but also at killing animals and humans — causing cancer and harm to the nervous system to those exposed to it for long periods of time: migrant farm workers and their families.

The fight to stop methyl iodide hasn’t been easy since the chemical company that produces MIDAS is Arysta LifeScience — a member of a PAC group that supports GOP candidates and Blue Dog Democrats (The Chemical Producers and Distributors Association). Under the Bush-era administration, Arysta LifeScience got its carcinogenic pesticide approved by the EPA even after five prominent scientists warned the administration of the poisonous nature of methyl iodide.

Shortly after EPA approval, the pesticide entered the U.S. market as an alternative to a pesticide that contained an ozone-depleting substance: methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been banned for its harmful effects on the environment and already 47 states have switched to MIDAS.

The United Farm Workers has been at the forefront of the fight to stop the new pesticide. The UFW, which was co-founded by the legendary union leader Cesar Chavez who organized the boycott of California grapes back in the 1970’s to protest the unjust working conditions and treatment of migrant workers — now has mobilized to get the EPA to re-evaluate the toxic chemical.

Last week the UFW heard back from the EPA and got some good news: the EPA is willing to re-consider the pesticide’s future in California but only after it sees the results of an independent scientific review panel. It’s unclear when the results will be completed, but the union is trying to get the public to write letters to the EPA thanking them for being willing to re-evaluate the pesticide.

FULL story at link.