U.S. EPA Opens public comment period on Cancer-causing Pesticide
The U.S. EPA has opened a public comment period on methyl iodide, a highly toxic fumigant used in soil preparation before the planting of strawberries, carrots, and other vegetable crops. The public comment period ends April 30th, 2011.
Methyl iodide was approved for use in the state of California by the state's Department of Pesticide Regulation early this year. In 2007, the EPA approved the use of methyl iodide in the U.S. as a substitute for the ozone-depleting methyl bromide. Methyl iodide is produced by Arysta LifeScience under the name MIDAS. A record number of public comments were submitted to DPR as a result of the methyl iodide registration in the state.
There are many points of view on this issue worth exploring. Here are just a few. (NOTE- I captured these points of view during a public hearing sponsored by the Department of Pesticide Regulation in September 2010. I feel that these points are still relevant with this issue.)
The Scientists- Scientists contend that research has proven that methyl iodine in very low dosages causes cancer in laboratory animals. Workers and surrounding communities will have very serious health effects. Although methyl iodide is a good alternative when it comes to the ozone because it does not elevate into the atmosphere, it stays close to the ground, so it's toxic compounds stay close to the land and people. There is no conclusive information on how water basins will be affected when it comes to methyl iodide.
Agri-Business- Ag leaders that support the use of methyl iodide contend that the fumigant is necessary to keep California a strong leader in agricultural production in the country and world. Ag groups claim that since they no longer can use methyl bromide, they desperately need this alternative. Ag leaders also say that with California's approval of the use of methyl iodide, the most stringent regulations were included to ensure the health and safety of pesticide applicators and communities.
Methyl iodide producer, Arysta LifeScience- The science that supports MIDAS approval with the EPA is cutting edge and has been peer-reviewed. With the use of methyl iodide, communities will see a reduction in the amount of pesticides being sprayed each season. MIDAS can be applied with conventional equipment as well as with some additional gear that guarantees the applicator's health and safety. MIDAS does not harm the ozone layer and is also used at reduced rates. MIDAS will ensure prosperous agricultural production in California- it will benefit workers and the state's economy overall.
Farm worker Groups/Advocates- Farm workers and applicators will be those that will be the most affected by the use of this pesticide. Currently, in the state, there is a lot of failure to comply with existing laws and regulations that protect farm workers. What guarantees does a worker have that they will be trained appropriately and receive the proper gear to apply this toxic fumigant? Even when a worker is trained appropriately, there is room for human error, and this could end up costing them their health. Methyl iodide is a known carcinogen. Workers, the majority uninsured, will risk getting cancer.
Environmentalists- Methyl iodide is a very poor substitute for the also toxic methyl bromide. Methyl iodide does spare the ozone, but what about community health. In the long run, when this pesticide is used in the state, there will be many illnesses attributed to this toxic fumigant which also translates in to a lot of money being spent on health care. This is a clear case of environmental racism, if we were talking about this pesticide being applied in a rich, affluent area- there would be no discussion.
Farm workers in favor of methyl iodide use- Many farm workers have been out of work due to the lack of water, and crop yields have not been what they were in previous years. Methyl iodide will ensure that there is a high crop production and will ensure that workers have jobs. Ranchers provide the necessary equipment for workers to do their jobs in a safe manner. Workers receive training in their designated area. No worker enters the fields, unless they know exactly what to do.