The Community Alliance received this Press Release moments ago: Residents Testify for Children’s Health Protections from Fumigant Pesticide Community leaders, scientists, and health officials urge state to protect children’s health and support growers as they transition off hazardous fumigants like chloropicrin by 2020 [Fresno, CA]– More than a year after cancer-causing methyl iodide was taken off the market due to health concerns, residents, scientists and health advocates are urging state officials to create more health protections for a similarly concerning fumigant pesticide, chloropicrin. The pesticide is injected into agricultural fields, often escaping from the soil as a gas and drifting onto nearby communities. It is sometimes applied close to schools and homes, and is linked to cancer as well as other serious health risks for children. Residents and community leaders are sharing their concerns at hearings across the state, including Fresno, and are urging the state to continue with efforts to phase out the use of fumigants by 2020. “Although scientists and the public rejected the cancer-causing pesticide methyl iodide, fumigant pesticides – like chloropicrin – are still widely used in California fields,” said Matt Ford. State officials released a non-fumigant alternatives action plan earlier this year, outlining steps that they, academic institutions and growers can take to successfully transition California’s agriculture away from fumigant pesticides. “If we invest wisely today, we can support California farmers as they lead the nation in a historic shift away from hazardous and volatile pesticides by 2020, and towards safe fumigant replacements,” said Cesar Campos, coordinator for the Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN). WHERE: Fresno County Farmers Bureau, 1274 West Hedges Ave. Events and testimony also in Salinas Redding, and Indio WHEN: Monday, June 17, 2013 from 6:00-8:00pm Speakers to share statements before outside hearing room, in addition to inside WHO: Participants include: · Jamie San Andres, Communities for a New California (CNC) Education Fund · Cesar Campos, Central California Environmental Justice Network SPANISH: Spanish speakers will be available for interviews. VISUALS: Community members, agricultural signs, children ### -- Jamie San Andrés Community Organizer Communities for a New California (CNC) Education Fund 814 N. Van Ness Ave - Fresno, CA 93728 (559) 367-7874
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:06:41 +0000
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