Editor: Earlier this month California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) registered a controversial, carcinogenic new pesticide (methyl iodide) for use in the state’s strawberry fields. Never in DPR’s history has there been more public outcry against a new pesticide — or such a compelling scientific case for concern.
My serious concern is based on the science. DPR’s own panel of independent scientists declared, “methyl iodide is a highly toxic chemical and we expect that any anticipated … use of this agent would result in exposures to a large number of the public.” Upon hearing DPR’s decision, Dr. John Froines, chair of the Panel, told the press, “I honestly think that this chemical will cause disease and illness. And so does everyone else on the committee.” Theodore Slotkin, another panel member and professor of pharmacology and cancer biology at Duke University, wrote, “It is my personal opinion that this decision will result in serious harm to California citizens, and most especially to children.”
DPR made this decision for reasons that we can’t know, but can certainly surmise. It’s time for California to follow the science, rather than bend to chemical industry demands. Methyl iodide is too dangerous to be used. Period. Governor Brown should make it a priority during his first weeks in office to reverse DPR’s decision.
Michael Irvine
Sonoma
Be First to Comment