From the Sacramento Press:
Near 100 people rallied in front of the Capitol on Monday, opposing a new pesticide containing methyl iodide that could potentially be used at strawberry farms statewide.
The group – made of up farm laborers from around the state, local activists and consumers – marched from Caesar Chavez Park to the south Capitol steps, carrying signs and chanting slogans characterizing the chemical as a “poison.” Methyl iodide, which would be used as a fumigant sprayed onto field soil, is still awaiting approval by state pesticide officials before it can be sold or used in California.
In 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency, registered methyl iodide for pesticide use despite health warnings raised by a group of chemists, including five Nobel laureates.
Several states, including California have yet to enter methyl iodide into their registries of approved pesticides.
According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, a decision regarding the registration of methyl iodide is expected by January, after the conclusion of an external risk assessment.
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