Students at hundreds of California schools could be at risk of exposure to dangerous levels of the pesticide methyl bromide, according to a report released Wednesday by an environmental watchdog group. Pupils in farm areas of Monterey, Ventura and Santa Cruz counties are most at risk from poisonous vapors, the report contended.
In its fourth study of the highly toxic cropland fumigant, the Environmental Working Group chastised state regulators for allowing California farmers to apply millions of pounds of methyl bromide near classrooms and schoolyards--and called for a wide buffer zone around educational facilities and residential neighborhoods.
"Tens of thousands of California children are at risk from exposure to methyl bromide while attending school, playing on school grounds, or simply living in their neighborhoods near these schools," said Bill Walker, spokesman for the Washington D.C.-based think tank, which focuses primarily on pesticide issues. "And in many cases, these schools are directly abutting treated fields."
In response, state officials said Wednesday that the potent fumigant poses no health hazard when used properly, as is nearly always the case. Existing buffer zones and other precautions protect the public, they said.
It is impossible to say how much of a health threat the fumigant poses because state and county officials rarely monitor school campuses for pesticide vapors, Walker said.
But during the past three years, teachers and parents in Watsonville and Castroville in the Salinas Valley have complained of flu-like symptoms after the pesticide was used on nearby fields.
And in Ventura--after operators of a child-care center complained in 1996 of headaches, stomachaches and dizziness--tests found drifting methyl bromide in levels that averaged 294 parts per billion over a 12-hour period, compared to the state safety standard of 210 parts per billion over 24 hours.
The environmental group backs legislation by Assemblywoman Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont) that would prohibit the use of methyl bromide within 1,000 feet of schools and homes and require warnings to neighbors before applications. Now, the fumigant can be used no closer than 100 feet of buildings, with no notice to neighbors.
The bill is set for a hearing before the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on Tuesday.
