- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Last week, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved the use of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant. The announcement prompted wide media coverage, with many stories noting the fact that a review by a group of scientists empaneled by DPR had recommended against methyl iodide registration.
Over the weekend, the Salinas Californian ran point-counterpoint articles that spelled out the arguments for and against agricultural use of the fumigant. The argument in favor was penned by
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, urged his constituents to fight state approval of methyl iodide, a fumigant that is considered a viable alternative to methyl bromide, an ozone depleter now being phased out, according to an article in the Oakland Tribune.
Monning, chair of the Assembly Health Committee and currently running for reelection, participated in a forum about pesticides yesterday at Pajaro Middle School, in Pajaro (Monterey County).
"They use methyl iodide to cause cancer in lab animals," Monning was quoted by reporter Tovin Lapan. "It's not a question of whether, it's a question of when. There will be human damage, there will be...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Sims, who authored the patents for methyl iodide's agricultural use, wrote his article to convey his belief that the pesticide could be used safely in California. The writers of the response, Ted Schettler and Kathryn Gilje, questioned the accuracy of Sims' article and said methyl iodide will raise the risk of...
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Addressing health concerns, Sims writes: "The chemical is not a human carcinogen. It is a rodent carcinogen. Lois Gold and Bruce Ames, both UC Berkeley researchers, have stated...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
UC Riverside emeritus professor of plant pathology, Jim Sims, recently gave his opinion on the pending registration of methyl iodide to several California newspapers. An article in the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday said Sims believes methyl iodide is "absolutely necessary" to continue agriculture in the state.
"I think methyl iodide can be used safely," Sims was quoted by the newspaper.
In April, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation proposed registering methyl iodide for use in California. A 60-day public comment period ended June 29. The Chron said...