> ----------
>
> RED FLAG FOR GREEN SPRAY
> May 29, 1999
> New Scientist
> Debora Mackenzie
> According to this story, French researchers have found that inhaling the
> spores of Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, sprayed on organic crops as a
> pesticide can cause lung inflammation, internal bleeding and death in
> laboratory mice.
>
> The story notes that dried Bt spores have been used as a pesticide for
> more than 30 years and are one of the very few insecticides sanctioned
> for use on organic crops in Europe. Bt is also widely used to combat
> pest such as the spruce budworm, a caterpillar that attacks trees.
<snip>
> When Bt was sprayed in towns in Oregon in 1991 to combat gypsy moths,
> the bacterium was found in clinical samples from 55 patients who had
> been admitted to hospital for a variety of other reasons. Robert Haward
> of the Soil Association, which represents Britain's organic farmers, was
> cited as saying that they may have to use masks and take more care when
> spraying the spores on crops.
>
Has the above information been verified? Are there any other studies on the
use of Bt insecticides and it's potential side effects?
Steve Groff
-- "Enhancing the Environment" http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com/ Cedar Meadow Farm 679 Hilldale Road Holtwood, PA 17532 USA
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