The science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network and the executive director of Pesticide Action Network responded in the Ventura County Star to an op-ed piece written by UC Riverside professor emeritus Jim Sims about methyl iodide.

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 cancer, miscarriages and brain damage, and will likely contaminate groundwater.

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 with more than 50,000 responses. DPR is expected to complete its review of the comments in mid-August.