According to information released by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, fumigants remain the most heavily used pesticides in the state at over 50 million pounds. They also rank among the most hazardous and drift-prone, traveling from where they’re applied in the field to neighboring homes and schools. Fumigants are prevalently used in the state’s strawberry fields, and because they are likely to drift—posing health threats to those living or working nearby—state officials are increasing their support of farmers as they phase fumigants out. In addition, pesticides linked to learning disabilities—including the brain toxicant chlorpyrifos—remain widely used on crops in the state, including nuts, citrus and grapes. Dozens of recent independent studies, as well as a recent technical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest that even in very low amounts, pesticide exposure—whether from residue on food, agricultural drift or elsewhere—can have profound and long-term effects on children’s development. economicblueprint.org
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 21:53:46 +0000
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