More Evidence that Even When Used As Directed - "Registered" POISONS Generally Harm People

... HazMat responded Tuesday to two separate Malathion-related incidents. 

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Subject:   Seven Hawaii schoolchildren and teachers were sickened by fumes-----
Date:       Mon, 02 Oct 2000 14:49:11 -0400
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

Dear Mr. Helliker, I thought you might like to read an article from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News entitled: HFD issues pesticide warning.

Wind conditions should be considered when using Malathion, a pesticide that can be purchased over the counter.

"People should reconsider using it on certain type of days when the vapors go downwind," Honolulu Fire Department Hazardous Materials Capt. Robert Butchart said.

Butchart was commenting after HazMat responded Tuesday to two separate Malathion-related incidents.

The first occurred at Makakilo Elementary School at about 11:30 a.m., and the second in Manoa, a short distance mauka of Punahou School at 5:30 p.m.

Eight people at Makakilo Elementary who were overcome by odors of the pesticide were treated at two hospitals and later released.

Officials traced the odor to a residence upwind from the school, at 92-551 Ualeheiu St. The homeowner had sprayed a solution of Malathion at 8:30 a.m. on his yard and plants.

The Fire Department's Hazardous Material Unit used water and "Simple Green" solution to mitigate the release of Malathion.

No one required medical attention in the Manoa case, Butchart said.

"We get a few calls because of the strong odor," added Butchart, noting that Malathion complaints are not unusual. "It usually causes watery eyes and sometimes difficulty breathing."

Aside from following directions and checking wind conditions, Butchart suggests Malathion be used moderately.

"Instead of dousing the lawn, they should apply it in smaller sections," he said.

Well Mr. Helliker, Seven Hawaii schoolchildren and teachers were sickened by fumes from just two tablespoons of "registered" malathion used at a nearby residence. I would like to point out the transformation product malaoxon is not "registered".  Nor should two tablespoons of a material be considered "dousing".  This article again points out there are no "safe" levels of "registered" contamination.  When will it be "legal" (in your opinion) to use safe and far more effective alternatives to control pest problems in California?

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