Make No Mistake, Pesticides Designed To Kill
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Make No Mistake, Pesticides Designed To Kill
Date:
Thu, 25 Jul 2002 12:17:26 -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
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
Make No Mistake, Pesticides Designed To Kill
Re: No proof pesticides harmful, letter to the editor by John Costa, July 7.
When I read Mr. Costa's response to a letter of obvious concern about pesticides and the health of children, I was extremely disheartened attitudes such as his still exist. Attitudes that are clearly misinformed.
Mr. Costa asked, "What danger? Were they about to die of some mysterious mustard gas?" Very interesting, considering one of the most common ingredients of pesticides is 2,4-D, the cousin of Agent Orange. Agent Orange, one of the most toxic and deadly chemicals that caused prostate cancer, Hodgkin's disease and respiratory cancers in veterans years after contact.
So, no, Mr. Costa, it is not immediate danger, but one that builds up in children who are more susceptible to chemicals because they eat, drink and breathe more per kilogram of body weight than adults.
Mr. Costa continues by saying, "Did the posting not specify what agents were used to treat the lawn?" He is partly correct, however, I do hate to rain on his parade.
The chemicals used in pesticides are composed of both "active ingredients" and formulants. By law, chemical companies only have to list the active ingredients on their signs, which are more often less toxic than the formulants, which are hidden chemicals.
Supporters of pesticides will defend them by claiming the federal registration is a guarantee of safety. There is no such thing as absolutely "safe" chemicals. Pesticide regulation is all about balancing the risks of use with their economic benefits. Chemicals will be used because the economic benefits outweigh the human health risk.
Once a chemical is registered for use, it is difficult to get it banned. Unfortunately, governments treat chemicals as innocent until proven guilty. When the environment and human health are at stake, chemicals should be presumed guilty until proven innocent.
Mr. Costa is "proud of his weed-free lawn through the integration of a pesticide management program". Clearly, he is comfortable speaking for his family and friends and the innocent people who walk by and breathe in these chemicals.
Studies show tests done on carpets in homes where pesticides are used have residues even a year later. Carpets where dogs, cats and children roll over and come into contact with little hands that always find their way into little mouths.
Mr. Costa, wake up and smell the chemicals from your lawn. Pesticides are designed to kill things and rarely stop to consider whether the species with which they come into contact are of the rodent or insect variety or human.
And to Marianne Mandryk, keep up the good work. Your concerns are valid and, by expressing them, we can educate parents about the dangers of pesticide use, not only for children but wildlife, as well.
JOANNA PARSONS
NEWMARKET
http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/opinion/letter/story/471721p-590730c.html
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