| Methyl iodide is proposed as a replacement for the fumigant methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting pesticide which is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement.
While methyl iodide is better for the ozone than methyl bromide, many argue that it is actually much worse for farmworkers and local communities. Its use had been linked to cancer, miscarriages and neurological problems. Last year, twenty-seven members of the State Assembly wrote to the Administration urging caution and calling for a commitment to outside review before approval.
Florez will convene a panel of researchers, regulators, farmers, farmworker advocates and concerned residents to discuss the risks to human health and the environment posed by methyl iodide, in anticipation of the Department of Pesticide Regulation's consideration of plans to allow its use on California fields.
"It's my understanding that there are much healthier alternatives on the table, for which there are even funds available to make them cost-effective to growers," said Florez. "I can't imagine how we can ignore those alternatives when communities and human lives are at risk."
Monday's hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Room 3191 of the California State Capitol Building. |
