- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Even as controversy continues to swirl about the use of methyl iodide in agriculture, the fumigant was used for the first time in California when it was applied to a one-acre Sanger chile pepper farm this month, the Fresno Bee reported.
The story, written by Robert Rodriguez, said the farm, northwest of DeWolf and North avenues, is owned by Sarkis Sarabian.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved the use of methyl iodide in December and created restrictions that include buffer zones, special training and tarps to contain the chemical.
"These are the strictest conditions in the nation,"...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Environmental and farmworker groups announced yesterday they have filed a lawsuit challenging the state Department of Pesticide Regulation's decision to register methyl iodide as an agricultural pesticide, according to reports in all of California's major media outlets.
The plaintiffs also appealed to newly inaugurated California Governor Jerry Brown to reverse DPR's decision, calling it "irresponsible and illegal."
Earthjustice and the California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. believe state pesticide regulators improperly cut off public comment on the chemical's approval, didn't listen to their own scientists and failed to use good scientific data in deciding to permit methyl iodide use in California...
- 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...