Methyl bromide targeted by environmentalists, farmworkers

Californians for Pesticide Reform, which consists of 185 organizations including environmental and farmworker groups, plans to ask Calif. Gov.-elect Jerry Brown to direct state officials to cancel the approval of methyl bromide after he takes office, reports the Los Angeles Times.
California Dept. of Pesticide Regulation tentatively approved the use of the chemical fumigant in April. The fumigant is on California’s official list of cancer-causing chemicals.
The newspaper said regulators insist the chemical can be used safely if strict guidelines are followed. Tests have found no traces of the chemical in fruit from treated soil. Department spokeswoman Lea Brooks told the newspaper the agency plans to make a final decision on methyl iodide by the end of this year before Brown is sworn in as governor on Jan. 3.

Pictured: Californians for Pesticide Reform hope to convince Calif. Gov.-elect Jerry Brown to direct state officials to cancel the approval of methyl bromide after he takes office in January.
Photo courtesy of Univ. of Calif. “Calif. Agriculture”