California Agencies Not Protecting Farmworkers
June 25, 1999
California farmworkers face a greater risk of pesticide poisonings than
any other segment of the population and are not adequately protected
by state and county agencies according to a new report. Fields of
Poison: California Farmworkers and Pesticides, written by Pesticide
Action Network North America (PANNA), United Farm Workers
(UFW), and California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF),
found poor enforcement of pesticide regulations by most California
County Agriculture Commissioners.
While some County Agricultural Commissioners do conduct fairly
thorough inspections and regularly issue fines for violations, the report
concludes these agencies are the exception rather than the rule. During
1996/1997, more than 85% of documented pesticide safety violations
statewide carried no fines at all and were not recorded in permanent
statewide records. When fines are issued, they are generally very low.
Of those issued between 1991 through 1996, almost half were less than
US$151, and less than 5% exceeded US$1,000.
The report reveals that California counties with the largest number of
reported pesticide poisonings and the highest agricultural pesticide use
issue the fewest fines for pesticide safety violations. These include
Fresno, Kern, Tulare, San Joaquin and Monterey counties.
Approximately 600,000 farmworkers are employed in California, the
state with the largest agricultural economy in the United States.
Between 1991 and 1996, an average of 665 incidents of acute
farmworker pesticide poisonings were officially reported in the state
each year, with many more cases unreported. Of those reported, most
poisonings were caused by exposure to pesticide spray drift (44%) or
pesticide residues in the field (33%).
The report identifies the top 10 crops in California responsible for the
highest number of reported farmworker poisonings between 1991 and
1996. Topping the list are grapes, cotton and broccoli, accounting for
31% of all reported cases. These are followed by oranges, ornamentals,
almonds, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries and alfalfa. In about 29% of
the cases, no specific crop was identified.
PANNA, UFW and CRLAF demand immediate action to reduce
pesticide exposure and to strengthen enforcement of regulations to
protect farmworkers, including:
* Stronger enforcement of existing pesticide safety laws, including
mandatory minimum penalties for violations.
* A rapid phase out of the most toxic pesticides and promotion of safe
and sustainable alternatives.
* Improved reporting systems for pesticide-related illnesses and
pesticide use.
* Improved farmworker access to medical treatment.
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United
States. The death rate among agricultural workers nationwide was
estimated at 20.9 per 100,000 workers in 1996, compared to the
average for all industries of 3.9 per 100,000 workers. Rates of injury or
illness among farmworkers are also high. Since 1990 injury rates in
agricultural production have ranged from 9.4% to more than 12%, well
above the average of occupational injuries for all industries.
"Many consumers are choosing cruelty-free cosmetics and recycled
paper. We should also be demanding food that is produced in an ethical
and socially responsible way and not at the expense of the health and
well-being of thousands of farmworker men, women and children,"
said Margaret Reeves of PANNA.
The report, available in English and Spanish, is free to California
residents and US$10 for all others. It is also available on the PANNA
website at http://www.panna.org.
Source/contact: Pesticide Action Network North America, 49 Powell
Street #500, San Francisco, CA 94102; phone (415) 981-1771; fax
(415)981-1991; email panna@panna.org.
========================================
Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA)
49 Powell St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
Phone: (415) 981-1771
Fax: (415) 981-1991
Email: panna@panna.org
Web: www.panna.org
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