Summer 2004

28 Pages·2004·1 MB·English

V olume 24, Number 2 Summer 2004
Pesticides and You
News from Beyond Pesticides / National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP)
Wreaking Havoc With Life
Atrazine in rain and river water makes frogs hermaphroditic, causes cancer
• Getting the Drift on Chemical Trespass: Pesticide drift hits homes, schools and other
sensitive sites throughout communities • State Lawn Pesticide Notification Laws •
• ChemicalWATCH Factsheet: Atrazine
Letter from Washington
Shame on Our Government Leadership
Human rights abuses abound
R
espect for human life must be the foundation on which mone estrogen, or estrodial. The manufacturer responded by
toxics policy is based. It is a tenet that should pervade characterizing the findings as normal background levels, then
government and corporate policy. This issue seems par- stopped funding Dr. Hayes’ research. While these new findings
ticularly poignant right now as public attention is focused on confirm earlier ones, atrazine’s 75–100 million pounds of usage
the war in Iraq, the loss of life on both sides, and questions of annually continues to make it the number one pesticide used in
human rights abuses. the U.S. by volume… as EPA deliberates. As Dr. Hayes says, “We
are finding much of the same types of effects in amphibians that
Shameful acts, fundamental flaws in you would find in humans – retarded growth, retarded develop-
government policy ment and gonadal and immune system problems.” Where is the
It is hard to pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV and not interest in full information?
feel a sense of overwhelming shame regarding U.S. policies and A recent study, reported in this issue of PAY, finds that synthet-
operations that are so callously abusive of human rights and ic pyrethroids, used increasingly nationwide, have accumulated
direspectful of human life. Starting with the overall effect of our in many creek sediments to levels that are toxic to freshwater
government policy in the Iraq war, the public is not given full bottom dwellers. Why do we not have full information before
information on the impact of the war on human life. General chemicals are so widely dispersed in the environment?
Tommy Franks, U.S. Central Command, has said, “We don’t do
body counts.” PBS aired a piece on April 26 on civilian causalties, Stopping involuntary exposure
interviewing a researcher from iraqbodycount.org which puts the In this context of limited information and poor science support-
number at over 10,000 at this writing. Full honest information ing widespread use of toxic chemicals, the issue of involuntary
is a basic tenet. exposure to these toxic materials is taking on renewed and in-
We’ve all seen the pictures and read about U.S. treatment of creased public attention. Do we have a right to protect ourselves
prisoners at Abu Ghurayb prison in Iraq, actions that the United from pesticides invading our lives, our property, our bodies? This
Nations is considering classifying as war crimes. Now, we learn issue of PAY includes an article, Getting the Drift on Chemical Tres-
about the treatment of Portland, Oregon-area attorney Brandon pass, which discusses the issue, identifies methods for detecting
Mayfield, who was jailed for two weeks, with false evidence, pesticide drift, or trespass, and strategies for seeking redress. This
sloppy lab work, and overzealous FBI agents who, contrary to exposure increasingly is being defined as secondhand exposure
the analysis of their Spanish counterparts, linked his fingerprints because of the similarity to secondhand cigarette smoke. And,
on a plastic bag to the March 11 Madrid bombing. The New York as pointed out in the article, it is both an issue of exposure in
Times reported on June 5 that FBI officials told a congressional the outdoor and indoor environment.
briefing that they were working off the equivalent of a “second If toxics policy is to respect human life, then it needs to start
generation” digital print, never asking to see the original prints or adopting meaningful restrictions that stop drift, or stop the use of
a higher quality image until well after the arrest. After abuse and the chemicals that drift. And, if the federal government does not
disruption to his life and work, Mr. Mayfield received a formal want to address this basic need, then states and localities must
apology from the FBI, according to the Times. Good science is exert authority to protect public health. If states do not want to
a baic tenet necessary to prevent abuse. act, then localities must re-exert their right to protect the health
Then, the recently released Enron tapes again remind us and welfare of their residents.
of how the insensitivity to human life invaded the corporate Dr. Hayes reached a conclusion in his work that we all need
culture of that company. Employees bragged about stealing $2 to embrace. He told us at the Forum, “I used to think that there
million a day from California during the 2000–01 energy crisis was a connection between environ-
by manipulating California’s energy market. Respect for others’ mental health and public health. I
lives is a basic tenet. no longer think that. They are one
and the same.”
Frogs and the future My sense of shame in our gov-
Professor Tyrone Hayes at the 22nd National Pesticide Forum at ernment’s failure to protect human
the University of California at Berkeley in April (see page 10 in rights in war and toxics policy
this issue) talked about his research methodology and findings renews my spirit to work for fun-
in which the herbicide atrazine, found in rain and river water, damental change.
makes frogs hermaphroditic and causes cancer. At levels as low
as 0.1 parts per billion, exposed frogs became demasculanized —Jay Feldman is executive
(lose of androgen) and feminized (creating of the female hor- director of Beyond Pesticides.
Contents
Contents
2 Mail
Chemical Fertilizers: A Foe of Healthy Soil; Pesticides and You © 2004 (ISSN 0896-7253)
Wood-Eating Ants; Dealing with Weeds in Pub- is published 4 times a year by Beyond Pesti-
cides. Beyond Pesticides, founded in 1981 as
lic Places; Help for the Chemically Injured
the National Coalition Against the Misuse of
Pesticides (NCAMP), is a voice for pesticide
5 Washington, DC safety and alternatives and is a non-profit,
tax-exempt membership organization; dona-
EPA Allows Increased Infant Exposure
tions are tax-deductible.
to Controversial Toxic Chemical; Fails at
National Headquarters:
Protecting Children from Environmen-
701 E Street, SE,
tal Threats; Bush Ignores Environmental Washington DC 20003
Hazards to Minority and Low-Income Com- ph: 202-543-5450 fx: 202-543-4791
email: [email protected]
munities; U.S. Implementation of POPs Treaty
website: www.beyondpesticides.org
page 5 Jeopardized; Bush Wins Exemptions To
Articles in this newsletter may be repro-
Methyl Bromide Phase-Out
duced without Beyond Pesticides’ permis-
sion unless otherwise noted. Please credit
7 Around the Country Beyond Pesticides for reproduced material.
Family Physicians Issue Warning to Avoid
BEYOND PESTICIDES STAFF
Pesticides; Dog Owners: Beware of Lawn Pes- Jay Feldman, Executive Director
ticides; Mendocino, CA Becomes First County Kagan Owens, Program Director
John Kepner, Project Director
Free of GE Agriculture; Study Shows New-
Shawnee Hoover, Special Projects Director
borns Benefit From Insecticide Phase-Outs; Meghan Taylor, Public Education Associate
Montreal Will Ban Cosmetic Use Pesticides; Terry Shistar, Ph.D., Science Consultant
Donald Trump “Fires” Plan for New Golf PESTICIDES AND YOU
Course After Pesticide Concerns Are Raised by Jay Feldman, Publisher, Editor
Meghan Taylor, Illustrator
Community; Bayer Settles Fipronil Case With
Free Hand Press, Typesetting
Crawfish Farmers for $45 Million; Toxic Jay Feldman, Tyrone Hayes, Shawnee
Synthetic Pyrethroid Pesticides Found in Hoover, John Kepner, Kagan Owens,
page 10 Stream Sediments Meghan Taylor, Contributors
BEYOND PESTICIDES
10 Wreaking Havoc With Life BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ruth Berlin, LCSW-C, Maryland Pesticide
Atrazine in rain and river water makes frogs
Network, Annapolis, MD
hermaphroditic, causes cancer Cissy Bowman, Indiana Certified Organic,
By Tyrone Hayes Clayton, IN
Laura Caballero, Lideres Campesinas en
California, Greenfield, CA
14 ChemicalWATCH Factsheet Alan Cohen, Bio-Logical Pest
Atrazine Management, Washington, DC
Shelley Davis, Farmworker Justice Fund,
Washington, DC
16 Getting the Drift on
Lorna McMahon, McMahon Family Farm,
Chemical Trespass Tiptonville, TN
Jay Feldman, Beyond Pesticides,
Pesticide drift hits homes, schools and other
Washington, DC
sensitive sites throughout communities
Tessa Hill, Kids for Saving Earth World-
By Kagan Owens and Jay Feldman wide, Plymouth, MN
Gene Kahn, General Mills, Sedro
page 17
Wooley, WA
22 State Lawn Pesticide
Lani Malmberg, Ecological Services,
Notification Laws Lander, WY
Paul Repetto, Boulder, CO
Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, Van
24 Resources
Nuys, CA
Fresh Choices: More Than 100 Easy Recipes for Terry Shistar, Ph.D., Kaw Valley Greens,
Pure Food When You Can’t Buy 100% Organic; Lawrence, KS
Gregg Small, Washington Toxics
Healthy Highways: The Traveler’s Guide To
Coalition, Seattle, WA
Healthy Eating. 1,900 Eateries and Natural Allen Spalt, Carrboro, NC
Printed on 100% post consumer Food Stores With Directions. Audrey Thier, Williamsburg, MA
waste with soy inks. Cover on
QuestTM, 100% non-deinked, non- Affiliations shown for informational purposes only
rebleached post consumer waste.
Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004 Pesticides and You Page 1
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Mail
Chemical Fertilizers: bad tasting water. In some lakes, repeated clover, peas and beans, which support nitro-
algal blooms can result in fish kills or loss of gen-fixing bacteria, thus actually adding to the
A Foe of Healthy Soil
the cold water fishery.” nitrogen content of the soil. Crop rotations rely
Dear Beyond Pesticides, The danger of chemical fertilizer is further on a similar principle, as each type of plant
I am trying to find information regarding increased when the product contains sewage has different requirements, and thus alters the
the hazards of chemical fertilizer. I realize sludge, which is considered the “cleansed” soil in which it is planted.
you primarily deal with pesticides but was product of sewage treatment. Sewage sludge
hoping you could help me with this issue. contains a toxic blend of heavy metals, syn- Wood-Eating Ants
Gordon Wadle thetic organic compounds, pathogens, and
Thomson, IL radioactive contaminants that come from Dear Beyond Pesticides,
industrial plants, hospital waste, agricul- We have a problem with carpenter ants,
Dear Mr. Wadle, tural run-off, and other known and unknown and I would like to know how to treat
Issues surrounding fertilizer are actually very sources. Farmers and homeowners who pur- this problem safely. Several years ago
much linked to pesticides. Some fertilizers on chase and use fertilizers containing this toxic we were poisoned when Terminix used
the market actually contain both fertilizer soup are unknowingly turning their lawns and exterior grade Dursban (containing the
and pesticides, such as All Season Triamine fields into toxic dumping sites. A 2001 report active ingredient chlorpyrifos) in our
Weed and Feed™ manufactured by Howard from U.S. Public Interest Research Group home. Now we are extremely chemically
Johnson’s Enterprises, Inc, which contains the (US PIRG) examined 29 fertilizer products sensitive and have reactive airway disease
hazardous herbicide 2,4-D in addition to fer- purchased in 12 states, and found a total of and endocrine system disturbances. How
tilizer. Even chemical fertilizers that 22 toxic metals including arsenic and lead. can we manage the carpenter ants without
don’t contain pesticides can damage In the more than ten years since sewage harming our health?
soil and lawn health, thereby sludge has been recycled as fertilizer, Linda Hammond
creating an attractive environ- 350 health complaints related to Ellicott City, MD
ment for pests. Heavy use of the practice have been collected by
artificial fertilizer damages The Cornell Waste Management Dear Ms. Hammond,
or kills the naturally occur- Institute. Health effects include Seeking alternatives to hazardous chemicals is
ring, living organisms that respiratory complications, ab- extremely important for people who deal with
inhabit soil. In addition, scesses, reproductive chemical sensitivities. It is equally important
the ability of artificial complications, cysts, for those who are not sensitive to seek out the
fertilizer to deteriorate asthma, weight loss, same alternatives. As you have experienced
soil quality helps lead fatigue, eye irrita- firsthand, commonly used chemicals utilized
to compaction, reduced tions, gastrointestinal by companies and sold in stores for do-it-
water retention and illnesses, headaches, yourself treatment to control common pests
poor soil aeration. lesions, nauseas, nose- can have drastic health effects.
Furthermore, chemical bleeds, rashes and immu- There are non-toxic and least-toxic tech-
fertilizer contributes sub- nodeficiency problems. niques to manage these wood-consuming ants.
stantially to environmental pollution, contami- The good news is that plenty of alternatives If you spy ants in your home, figure out if they
nating surface and groundwater. are out there, for use both on residential lawns are carpenter ants, which can range from ¼
So what exactly is it about chemical fertil- and in agriculture. Organic fertilizer options in- – ½ inch long and can be red, red and black,
izers that cause such problems to the lawn and clude compost, dehydrated cow manure, dried or all brown. They have two distinguishing
the environment? Most artificial fertilizers poultry manure, cottonseed meal, blood meal, characteristics: they have only one node be-
contain nitrates, which have been found to bone meal and fish emulsion. Additionally, you tween their thorax and abdomen, and their
contaminate ground and surface water. Con- can leave grass clippings on your lawn to de- thorax is evenly rounded in profile, with no
sumption of nitrates has been linked with birth compose, which will contribute to soil nitrogen spines. The damaged wood in carpenter ant
defects, including childhood brain tumors, content without causing thatch. As an added nests has smooth, clean galleries that feel
learning disabilities, heart disease, immune bonus, the clippings reduce water evaporation as if they have been polished with fine grit
system damage and several different types from the lawn and keep the soil temperature sandpaper. There will be no frass, sawdust,
of cancer. Phosphate, another major fertil- cooler. Corn gluten, a non-toxic pre-emergent mud, mastic or any other debris in the nest
izer ingredient, is a major source of lake and herbicide, also acts as a natural fertilizer. itself. The galleries normally follow the grain
stream pollution across the country. According In an agricultural setting, green manures are of the wood and are excavated in the softer
to the Maine Department of Environmental a healthy alternative to chemical fertilizer. A portions, with connecting passages through
Protection, “Increased phosphorus in lakes green manure is a crop that is planted because the harder wood. Carpenter ants often have
often results in algal blooms turning lakes it improves the quality of soil as it grows. Most multiple nest sites, usually located in water-
green, leaving unsightly scum, foul odors and green manures are legumes such as alfalfa, damaged or softened, decaying wood where
Page 2 Pesticides and You Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
edited by Meghan Taylor
there have been plumbing leaks, where wood home by repairing all roof and window leaks. Corn gluten provides a excellent, non-
has been repeatedly soaked by rain or con- Adequately ventilate damp areas such as base- toxic pre-emergent weed management.
densation or where wood meets soil. They ments and crawl spaces. Properly grade soil However, once the weeds emerge, cutting,
often begin their nests in decayed wood and around the home to drain water away from girdling, mowing and grazing animals are all
then move to dry, sound wood. They can also the structure. Prune tree and bush branches successful mechanical means of eradicating
nest in insulation, small voids or hollow doors. so they are not against the house walls. If you unwanted vegetation. Introduction of natural
To manage the ants, first watch them to find are doing repairs or creating new structures, insect enemies, and steam treatments such as
the location of their nest. Use jelly or honey as use a naturally resistant wood such as cedar, the Waipuna system have also been effective
bait to find entrances in walls. Ascertain the cyprus or jarrah. non-toxic techniques.
extent of the infestation by using a flashlight Least-toxic herbicide products, which serve
to inspect the entire structure. Look for signs of Weeds in Public as alternatives to RoundUp, should be used
wood boring activity such as sawdust, cracks, only as a last resort. Borax has been effective in
Places
holes and mildew, and determine how fresh killing vegetation on ROWs. Other options in-
the sawdust and frass is. If you see live ants, Dear Beyond Pesticides, clude products containing vinegar, or herbicidal
you most likely have an active infestation. You I’m currently working with my city to fatty acid soaps. Carefully read the label of the
can hire a pest control company to inspect, draft an Integrated Pest Management fatty-acid soap pesticide product to identify the
but make sure you are not obligated to enter (IPM) strategy. Would you provide me active ingredient and make sure that it does not
a treatment contract along with the inspection. with some options for least-toxic prod- also contain toxic pesticides or synergists. One
Check out Beyond Pesticides’ Safety Source ucts that could replace RoundUp (active available resource for least-toxic herbicides is
for Pest Management to find a company that ingredient glyphosate)? This is specifical- Victor Safer Brand (www.victorpest.com).
offers inspection along with non-toxic and ly for application at fence lines and along For more information on how to take ac-
least-toxic alternatives in your area! alleyways and in gravel areas. tion in your community to decrease herbicide
If it is determined that Lya Badgley use, see www.beyondpesticides.org, click on
you have an active nest, Snohomish, WA “Issues” and follow the link for “Lawns and
you do not have to use Landscapes,” or call Beyond Pesticides at
toxic chemicals to get Dear Ms. Badgley, 202-543-5450.
rid of it. Since carpen- Thank you for your
ter ants can only survive work to reduce toxic
Chemical lnjury Help
in a narrow temperature pesticide use and develop
range, manipulation of an IPM program for your Dear Beyond Pesticides,
the temperature provides a non-toxic community. Toxic herbi- I am always interested in the information
control. Various pest control companies may cides, including glyphosate, that are in your excellent publication Pesticides
offer to tent and heat the house, or provide applied to public areas and the rights-of-way and You. What happened to the family
an alternative freezing method. Boric acid (ROW) areas that you mentioned impinge on of Brenda Jones [see Pesticides and You,
provides a least-toxic alternative for control. the quality of our health and environment. Of volume 24, number 1] is a common
Both Timbor and BoraCare offer control, but course, the best solutions are non-toxic strate- chronic illness in my patients: pesticides
must be handled with care, as boric acid is a gies, which include mechanical, biological and cause more chronic illness than any other
poison. BoraCare can only be used by a pest cultural methods. category of chemicals in the chronically
control applicator. Insecticidal dusts such as Your city’s strategy should incorporate ill, chemically injured patients.
silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth are pest identification, population monitoring, However, there actually is treatment
another least-toxic option. Beware that some determination of injury and action levels, and for patients who have developed reactive
varieties of the products that contain these selection of the most appropriate control tactics. airway disease. The first most important
dusts also include pyrethrins. When applying The long-term goal for these areas is to create treatment is environmental controls. The
insecticidal dusts, wear goggles, gloves and an ecologically stable plant community that book Less Toxic Alternatives, written by
breathing protection. Do not apply insecticidal persists in a state that does not reach injury a highly experienced health educator,
dusts where they may accumulate in water levels. Intervention should be as non-intrusive can help the patient substitute less toxic
runoff, as these chemicals are toxic to fish. as possible, as pest management can worsen products for use in the home. In addi-
Both silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth if competitors and natural enemies of pest tion, the Americans with Disabilities Act
are inorganic and will remain effective for a vegetation are inadvertently killed by herbi- and related legislation can be used to
long time. Keep any areas treated with these cide applications. To that end, planting native request reasonable non-toxic controls in
chemicals marked for future reference. vegetation is extremely important for a low- the workplace and apartments and con-
If you are lucky enough to not have an maintenance program. The native plants will dominiums (the latter through building
active infestation, take steps to prevent one additionally provide increased erosion control, management/owners). For more informa-
from occurring. Reduce moisture within your aesthetics, wildlife habitat and biodiversity. tion on this, I recommend The Chemical
Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004 Pesticides and You Page 3
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Mail
Injury Information Network: PO Box 301, Royal Pharmacy (800-458-0804) or the Thank you again for your long-stand-
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, phone Apothecary (301-530-0800). ing excellent work to protect people from
[phone], fax [phone]. It is not known at this time whether poisons.
In addition, there is now significant ongoing use of the protocol will result
medical advancement in the treatment in a “cure,” but dramatic reduction in Sincerely,
of reactive airway disease. Glutathione intensity and severity of chemical expo- Grace Ziem, M.D., Dr. P.H.
is the most important antioxidant and sure definitely occurs in my patients who Occupational and
detoxifying agent of the body: we are use this approach. The protocol is never Environmental Health
all born with it. It does not absorb well a substitute for exposure controls. The Emmitsburg, MD
when taken by mouth, because stomach protocol must be prescribed by a physi-
acid digests it. However, when used by cian. I would be very happy to discuss the
nebulizer, it provides gradual but very protocol with the physician of any of your Neural Sensitization
significant reduction in airway inflam- readers, because I feel that it is a major
mation. Furthermore, the biochemistry of breakthrough. I would like more physi-
this heightened sensitivity is now much cians to be aware that this is a treatable Neural sensitization occurs by
better understood. Please see my article condition, that significant healing can activation of brain and nerve cell
on neural sensitization (www.beyondpes- be achieved rather than mere symptom N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA),
ticides.org/how-to/neuralsensitization. masking by drugs. which then increases brain nitric
pdf), which is the biochemical vicious In no way should this reduce our oxide. Several vicious biochemical
cycle that perpetuates heightened sen- endeavors to stop chemical injury from cycles are then set into motion. Ni-
sitivity. [Contact Beyond Pesticides for exposure to pesticides and other chemi- tric oxide forms a tissue damaging
a copy of the article Dr. Ziem attached, cals. This reduced exposure is not only free radical known as peroxynitrite.
“Neural Sensitization”]. Based upon an essential part of treatment for affected Peroxynitrite depletes energy ATP,
this biochemistry, I have been working individuals, but also prevents damage to which then further increases the
intensely with an excellent biochemist other organs that may not necessarily sensitization of NMDA…
to develop a natural protocol that will be related to the mechanism of neural Intervention to help reduce this
help to dramatically reduce the sensi- sensitization. vicious biochemical cycle includes:
tization level. This is referred to as the I have a formerly brilliant, athletically methyl or hydroxycobalamine
neural sensitization protocol. It includes vigorous patient poisoned by indirect sublingually or I.M. (not oral due
hydroxycobalamine, the particular form office exposure to pyrethrins, causing to poor absorption), general anti-
of B12 that acts as a scavenger for nitric severe brain damage and reactive airway oxidants (C, E, selenium), glutathi-
oxide: nitric oxide initiates this vicious disease. Pyrethroids, organophosphates one by nebulizer due to poor oral
cycle. The protocol also contains bio- and many other pesticides are even absorption, and ample alpha lipoic
flavinoids, other natural substances that worse. Reducing pesticides is essential to acid to reactivate the glutathione
scavenge peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is protect the healthy population. in the many damaged lipid tissues
the severely damaging free radical from Reduced pesticide exposure reduced (cell membranes, mitochondria,
nitric oxide. The protocol also contains the risk of Parkinson’s and other neurode- lymph, brain, etc.)…
substances to help prevent the conversion generative disease, leukemia, lymphoma, Humans are social beings and
of peroxynitrite into even more nitric brain cancer, autoimmune disease, sinus these measures above gradually
acid, as well as a well-balanced mix of inflammation, earaches in children, mi- increase the person’s ability to en-
general antioxidants. graines, asthma, breast cancer (because joy the company of others and use
My patients who have used this ap- pesticide cause estrogen dominance) and public places. When society is ad-
proach have experienced great improve- other inflammatory disease. It is now equately informed and takes public
ment over time in the reduction of sen- known that all degenerative disease is a health reasonable accommodation
sitivity/reactive airway disease. This can result of chronic inflammation, including measures to reduce irritants and
also be used for individuals who develop but not limited to cardiovascular disease, toxins in personal products and
migraines and other chemical symptoms Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, etc. Even adult public places, this further promotes
that are exacerbated by chemical expo- onset diabetes is now known to be an health and reduces sensitization.
sure. At present, there are three pharma- autoimmune disease. Common autoim-
cies that are familiar with this protocol mune diseases in my pesticide injured —“Neural Sensitization,” Grace
and how to compound it. Key Pharmacy patients include autoimmune thyroid Ziem, M.D., Dr. P.H. www.beyon-
(800-878-1322) probably has the most disease, Lupus, scleroderma, Raynauds, dpesticides.org/how-to/neuralsen-
up-to-date information, but the proto- Sjogerns, etc. Pesticides are POISONS sitization.pdf
col can also be obtained though Abrams and they are poisoning all people.
Page 4 Pesticides and You Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Washington, DC
tocol. Environmentalists operations.” The report states, “EPA has
support the elimination of not identified minority and low-income,
methyl bromide, given the nor identified populations addressed in
availability of effective less the Executive Order, and has neither
toxic alternatives. Accord- defined nor developed criteria for deter-
ing to Paul Connett, PhD, mining disproportionately impacted.”
executive director of FAN The administration defended its action
and professor of chemistry by stating that it would provide environ-
at St. Lawrence University mental justice to everyone. EPA’s response
in Canton NY, “EPA’s data states, “The Agency does not accept the
showed that some children Inspector General’s central and baseline
were already receiving more assumption that environmental justice
fluoride than EPA’s existing safety only applies to minority and/or low-in-
standard allowed. Such a situation come individuals. The EPA firmly believes
should have been grounds for rejecting that environmental justice belongs to all
EPA Allows lncreased Dow’s request to add an additional source people…” The IG dismissed EPA’s defense
of exposure to the diet.” However, instead as misleading. The report points out that
lnfant Exposure to
of denying Dow’s request, EPA has opted providing justice to everyone was already
Controversial Toxic to increase the tolerable dose for children. the EPA’s mission prior to the 1994 order.
Environmentalists believe that by loosen- Minority and low-income families often
Chemical
ing the safety standard for children, EPA suffer greater exposure to environmental
In a reversal of policy that has shocked is in violation of FQPA. hazards than other populations because
and angered environmentalists and public industrial plants tend to be situated in
health advocates, the Environmental Pro- or near low-income neighborhoods, and
Bush lgnores
tection Agency (EPA) has for the first time people of color, including farmworkers,
since the passage of the 1996 Food Quality Environmental are disproportionately in high risk jobs
Protection Act (FQPA) allowed children’s with exposure to toxic chemicals.
Hazards to Minority
risk from pesticide exposure to exceed
that of adults. While approving Dow and Low-Income
U.S. lmplementation
AgroScience’s sulfuryl fluoride use for its
Communities
first food use, EPA identified fluoride as of POPs Treaty
its major toxicological endpoint of con- It’s not just the environmentalists giving
Jeopardized
cern for exposure. In its risk assessment, the Bush Administration a failing grade
which served as the basis for approval, for its protection of human health. The As reported in the Spring 2004 issue of
EPA made an unprecedented decision to EPA’s Inspector General (IG) recently Pesticides and You, 50 countries have
allow an acceptable dos- reported that EPA has failed to provide signed the Stockholm Convention on
age for infants that is five adequate protection to minorities and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), a
times higher than accept- low-income families who are dispropor- global treaty that bans or severely restricts
able dosage for adults. tionately affected by pollution. Accord- twelve POPs, including highly toxic di-
On March 22, 2004, the ing to environmental watchdog group oxins, PCBs, and certain pesticides, into
Fluoride Action Net- Bush Greenwatch, the report, international law. Now environmental and
work (FAN) and Beyond EPA Needs to Consistent- public health organizations are calling on
Pesticides formally chal- ly Implement the Intent the U.S. government to ratify and fully
lenged EPA’s approval of of the Executive Order implement the treaty. Although President
the fumigant based on on Environmental Jus- Bush promised in 2001 to support the
its elevated risks to chil- tice (Report No. 2004- treaty, his administration has sought to
dren. Sulfuryl fluoride P-000070), concludes undermine it by proposing legislation
is Dow’s alternative that the Executive Order that will make it harder, rather than
to methyl bromide, on Environmental Justice easier, for EPA to control chemicals with
the ozone-destroying signed by President Clinton POPs characteristics after they are added
food fumigant that has a in 1994 (Executive Order to the treaty. In order to ratify and fully
phase-out deadline of January 1, 2005, for 12898) has not been fully implemented implement the treaty, Congress must first
developed countries under Section 604e nor has EPA “consistently integrated amend U.S. chemicals and pesticides laws,
of the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Pro- environmental justice into its day-to-day including the Toxic Substances Control
Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004 Pesticides and You Page 5
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Washington, DC
by John Kepner
Act (TSCA) and the Federal Insecticide, 8,942 metric tons, allowing the country report illustrates how this administration’s
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), to to be in violation of the international track record is toxic to our children. In
give EPA the authority to ban or restrict treaty. Exemptions of 2,133 metric tons choice after choice, they have lessened
domestic production, use and export of were also made for Italy; Spain, 1,059; protections for children and missed op-
POPs. Beyond Pesticides and other public and France, 407. Australia, Belgium, portunities to keep toxicants out of our
interest organizations agree that Congress Canada, Greece, Japan, Portugal, and children’s environment,” said Dr. Lynn
must reject legislation proposed by the the U.K. were each granted exemptions R. Goldman, Chair of the Children’s
Bush administration and the chemical of less than 300 metric tons, according Environmental Health Network (CEHN)
industry, which would change TSCA to Chemical & Engineering News. Klaus and professor at Johns Hopkins Univer-
and FIFRA by creating new procedural Töpfer, executive director of the UN En- sity Bloomberg School of Public Health.
and substantive hurdles for EPA before it vironment Program (UNEP), was quoted “Children are losing out to other priori-
can regulate POPs that are banned under by Chemical & Engineering News as say- ties of this Administration.” The Report
the Stockholm Convention. Instead, the ing, “The high demand for exemptions Card ratings reflect a careful review of
groups say Congress should adopt a pro- to the methyl bromide phase-out shows approximately 80 “decision points,”
active, protective approach under which that governments and the private sector such as the administration’s proposals
chemicals that may have POPs character- will have to work much harder and decisions to: not support legislation
istics are monitored and regulated before to speed up the development to protect children from the use of
they become widespread threats to human of ozone-friendly replace- hazardous pesticides in school
health, the environment, and marine and ments.” Neither Chemical (School Environment Protection
terrestrial wildlife. To that end, environ- & Engineering News nor Act); allow the continued use of
ment and public health groups sent a let- the UNEP director made a toxic pesticide found at high
ter to EPA on March 8, 2004, recommend- mention of the fact that levels in water systems;
ing that POPs implementing legislation alternative practices take mercury, a potent
adhere to the following principles: Stock- and products have been neurotoxicant, off of
holm Convention decisions supported found effective for nine the list of hazardous air
by the United States should provide the out of ten methyl bro- pollutants; leave the Of-
default option for domestic regulation of mide uses worldwide. fice of Children’s Health
POPs; the U.S. regulatory process should Nor did they mention Protection leaderless for
parallel the international decision-making that many European na- over two years; cut funding
process; and, EPA should be given broad tions have already suc- for the National Children’s
authority to regulate all persistent, bioac- cessfully banned the pesticide. Study; weaken the New Source
cumulative toxics (PBTs). Methyl Bromide damages and depletes Review air quality decisions; and, lessen
the planet’s stratospheric ozone layer and protections under the Clean Water Act.
is 50 times more potent than the now- The Report Card on children’s environ-
Bush Wins Exemptions
banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). mental health was not able to give a grade
To Methyl Bromide The toxic pesticide is used on grapes, higher than a C in any of the 16 different
strawberries, tomatoes, grain storage, areas it investigated, such as pesticides,
Phase-Out
and in structural pest control, primarily air quality, and mercury. CEHN execu-
In yet another move to undermine the in California and Florida. It has been tive director Daniel Swartz noted that
international environmental law, the found to cause birth defects and brain the administration is to be commended
Bush administration won exemptions damage in laboratory animals. for some positive steps, such as the EPA
to the treaty protecting the Earth’s ozone proposal to limit pollution from off-road
layer. On March 26, at a special United Bush Administration diesel engines, proposed improvements
Nations meeting in Montreal, 114 coun- to the cancer risk assessment process.
Fails at Protecting
tries agreed to grant the U.S. and ten “However, most of the “positives” we
other developed countries permission Children from Envi- identified were either counter-balanced
to continue damaging the ozone layer by by a negative step of greater magnitude,
ronmental Threats
using the pesticide methyl bromide for or were a result of the Administration
“critical uses” despite the availability of The Bush Administration received an “F” reversing itself on a bad decision after
less harmful alternatives. Even though from environmental health experts for its a public outcry,” Mr. Swartz said, citing
the Montreal Protocol allows exemp- failure to protect children from environ- as examples the standards for arsenic in
tions of no more than 30 percent, the mental threats, according to the Children’s drinking water and the effort to abandon
Bush Administration won exemptions Environmental Health Network’s Report federal oversight in screening low-income
totaling 35% of its 1991 baseline level, or Card, released on April 5, 2004. “This children for lead poisoning.
Page 6 Pesticides and You Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Around the Country
sult of the study, “Herbicide exposure and
the risk of transitional cell carcinoma of
the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers,”
published in the April 15, 2004 issue of
the Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association (Vol. 224, No. 8),
the authors recommend that owners
decrease their dogs’ exposure to lawns or
gardens treated with common herbicides
and suggest routine cytologic urine ex-
ams in Scottish Terriers and other high
risk breeds over six years old. The study
adds to earlier research conducted by the
National Institutes of Health in 1991 that
found elevated rates of canine lymphoma
in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. Ac-
cording to the National Cancer Institute,
about 38,000 men and 15,000 women
are diagnosed with bladder cancer each
Family Physicians health problems linked to pesticide ex-
year. Only about 30 percent of human
posure. The researchers recommend first
lssue Warning to bladder cancers develop from known
and foremost that people avoid exposure
causes. As Scottish terriers, often called
Avoid Pesticides to all pesticides whenever and wherever
Scotties, have a history of developing
possible, including reducing
The Ontario College of Family Physicians bladder cancer far more frequently
both occupational exposures,
(OCFP) in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada than other breeds, Lawrence Glick-
as well as lower level expo-
is urging families to avoid exposure to man, VMD, DrPH, a professor of
sures that occur from the use
pesticides whenever possible. The report, veterinary medicine at Purdue
of pesticides in homes, gar-
“Systematic Review of Pesticides Human University decided to exam-
dens and public green space.
Health Effects,” is a comprehensive review ine the dogs’ diet, lifestyle
Download a copy of the Cana-
of research on the effects of pesticides on and environmental exposures
dian report from www.ocfp.
human health, which shows consistent for a possible link to blad-
on.ca/English/OCFP/Commu-
links between pesticides and serious der cancer. Dr. Glickman’s
nications/CurrentIssues/Pesti-
illnesses. Because many of the health group obtained its results
cides/ and share it with your
problems linked to pesticide use are seri- by surveying the owners of
doctor and with the local and
ous and difficult to treat, the authors of 83 Scottish terriers, all of
state medical society in your
the report are advocating a reduction in which had bladder cancer
state. To determine the state
exposure to pesticides and prevention of and were of approximately
medical societies in your state,
harm as the best approach. “Many of the the same age. “We found
visit the website directory of the
health problems linked with pesticide that the occurrence of blad-
American Medical Association
use are serious and difficult to treat,” der cancer was between
www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/
said Dr. Margaret Sanborn of McMaster four and seven times higher
category/7630.html.
University, one of the review’s authors. in the group exposed to
“So we are advocating reducing exposure herbicides,” Dr. Glickman
to pesticides and prevention of harm as said. “The level of risk cor-
Dog Owners:
the best approach.” The authors’ findings responded directly with ex-
include positive associations between solid Beware of Lawn posure to these chemicals: The
tumors and pesticide exposure, including greater the exposure, the higher
Pesticides
brain, prostate, kidney and pancreatic the risk.” Environmentalists point
cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Be careful where you walk your dog. out that because EPA does not require
The study also shows that children are Scientists at Purdue University’s School neighbor notification of lawn care pesti-
particularly vulnerable to pesticides and of Veterinary Medicine warn of a link be- cide use, it is difficult for dog owners and
at increased risk to certain cancers. The tween a specific canine cancer and 2,4-D, others to take precautionary action by
study concludes with steps that the public a common lawn care herbicide, produced vacating the area and staying off treated
and family doctors can take to help reduce by the Dow Chemical Company. As a re- lawns and landscapes.
Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004 Pesticides and You Page 7
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Around the Country
Mendocino, CA and animals – but we won’t be the last.” els. After January 1, 2001, the combined
Mendocino County’s victory has already insecticide exposure levels had been re-
Becomes First
inspired people in nine other California duced substantially, and impact on fetal
County Free of GE counties to propose similar measures. For growth was no longer apparent. “This
more information on Measure H, contact human study confirms the developmen-
Agriculture
Doug Mosel at the Campaign for a GMO tal impact, shown previously in animal
The people of Mendicino county have Free Mendocino County, 707-485-6672. studies, of these insecticides,” said Robin
spoken loud and clear, “Keep genetic M. Whyatt, PhD, principal author of the
engineering out of our backyards!” On Study Shows study. “The fact that the ban was associ-
March 2, 2004, the California county ated with such an immediate change in
Newborns Benefit
passed Measure H, an ordinance banning birth weight and length provides con-
the growing of genetically engineered From lnsecticide siderable evidence of cause and effect.”
(GE) crops and animals, making it the The two insecticides had been among the
Phase-Outs
first GE-free county in the nation. The most commonly used for residential pest
ordinance specifically makes it “unlaw- Science has shown what environmental- control and were available in numerous
ful for any person, firm, or corpora- ists have predicted, decreased pesticide household sprays. Both are still widely
tion to propagate, cultivate, raise, or exposure leads to healthier babies. Ac- used in agriculture and continue to be
grow genetically modified organisms in cording to a new study by researchers at found in the food supply. Environmen-
Mendocino County.” Garnering 56.6% Columbia University’s Mailman School talists and farmworker groups believe
of the vote, Measure H proponents de- of Public Health, the federal phase-out that workers, farmers, and their families
feated the world’s largest producers of of two organophosphate insecticides, are not afforded the same protections as
genetically engineered food and seed, chlorpyrifos and diazinon, in 2000 is the general public. While consumers are
which pumped a record $621,000 into a beginning to benefit newborn babies by beginning to see some of the benefits of
county of 47,000 voters, according to the increasing their birth size. The study, the phase-out, many in the agricultural
Campaign for a GMO-Free Men- “Prenatal insecticide ex- community, and their children continue
docino County. CropLife posures, birth weight to be exposed because farm use was al-
America, Monsanto, Du- and length among lowed to continue.
Pont, Dow Chemical, an urban minor-
and a consortium of ity cohort,” which
Montreal Will Ban
other biotech multi- will soon be pub-
national corporations lished in the peer- Cosmetic Use
shattered spending reviewed journal
Pesticides
records in this small Environmental
agricultural county, Health Perspec- There is more news of pesticide bans from
spending $55 on each tives, found that our neighbors to the north. According
“no” vote cast. But the women exposed to the Canadian Broadcasting Company
biotech industry was during pregnancy (CBC), Canada’s national public broad-
no match for thousands had on average sig- caster, the City of Montreal is set to
of Mendocino County nificantly smaller ban almost all cosmetic use of chemical
farmers, business owners, babies. The research in- pesticides, saying the new rules could
vintners and families who volved a sample of 314 infants be in place in some parts of the city this
joined the largest, most successful grass of women in the New York City areas of summer. According to city officials, the
roots campaign the county has ever seen Washington Heights, Central Harlem and new bylaw is one of the strictest in North
to fight the encroachment of genetically the South Bronx. The researchers mea- America. Montrealers will be allowed to
altered crops. “These multi-billion dollar sured the levels of the two insecticides in use organic pesticides, and the law allows
corporations underestimated the savvy blood drawn from the umbilical cords at a loophole for golf courses and infesta-
and determination of Mendocino County birth, both before and after the ban, and tions. “This historic move shows political
voters,” said Els Cooperider of Ukiah, correlated those levels with the babies’ courage and long term vision in favor of
CA, a retired medical scientist and Ukiah birth weight and length. Prior to Janu- sustainable development. It is one of the
business owner who helped spearhead ary 1, 2001, newborns with combined most severe bylaws in North America
the citizen-led initiative. “This is just insecticide exposures in the highest 26 and will go a long way in protecting the
the beginning of the revolution. We’re percentile had birth weights averaging health and well being of all Montrealers,
the first county in the U.S. to prohibit almost 200 grams (almost half a pound) especially our children,” says Michel
the growing of genetically altered crops less than infants with no detectable lev- Gaudet, President of the Coalition for Al-
Page 8 Pesticides and You Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004
Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides