US (CA) : Toxic pesticide may be sprayed on local fields

A chemical considered so toxic that many chemists refuse to even handle it may soon be sprayed on strawberry fields around the Central Coast.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is looking to replace methyl bromide -- a pesticide that, when sprayed, drifts into the atmosphere and damages the ozone layer -- with methyl iodide to control pests on Ag field in Salinas and Watsonville.

"They've been looking for a replacement for quite a few years. From that, methyl iodide is the best replacement for it right now," said Dick Peixoto, of Lakeside Organic Gardens.

Methyl iodide is a fumigant that is usually injected into the soil before strawberries, nursery plants and nut trees are planted. The chemical kills out everything that can damage the crop.

The chemical is already licensed in 47 states, and could become legal to use in California fields after a statewide 60-day comment period that ends on June 29.

Critics of methyl iodide said the chemical can cause long-term health effects, like cancer.

However, no health cases have been reported in southeastern states where the chemical is already used.

"California farmers live where they grow strawberries, and they really care about the safety of the community," said Caryolyn O' Donnell, of the California Strawberry Commission. "So, they're very concerned to make sure that they are farming in ways to protect themselves, their workers and their community."

California does have some strict guidelines concerning pesticides, including half-mile buffer zones around schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

There would also be application limits on the chemical to protect groundwater.

But, ultimately, it will be up to the county's agriculture commissioner to decide if methyl iodide can be injected in a field safely.

"(We would) apply them to the current California law and regulation and ensure that sites where people are wanting to use these materials that in fact the material can be used there according to the label requirements, or whatever may be involved or regulated," said Ken Corbishley, of the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner.

Methyl iodide was approved in 2007 to be a fumigant that could replace methyl bromide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.