New chance to stop toxic pesticide methyl iodide

We want to thank the thousands of UFW supporters who sent e-mails in support of the campaign to ban the deadly pesticide, methyl iodide. Under the Bush administration the EPA approved this carcinogenic new pesticide. However, a week ago, we heard promising news. The EPA has just indicated that it plans to re-consider methyl iodide, pending the results of California's independent Scientific Review Panel.

• Help make this happen. E-mail EPA's Stephen Owens today.

Methyl iodide is a known carcinogen. It is so dangerous that over 50 scientists--5 of them Nobel Laureates --sent a letter to the Bush-era EPA expressing astonishment that the agency was "working to legalize broadcast releases of one of the more toxic chemicals used in manufacturing into the environment." Methyl iodide is so toxic, and carcinogenic, that scientists who use tiny amounts in the lab are required to take major precautions in order to avoid exposure. Obviously, if used as a fumigant much greater amounts would be released. The pesticide could contaminate groundwater as well as putting farm workers and nearby communities at serious risk as the invisible chemical moves with the wind.

We are hard at work to prevent the use of this toxic chemical. Around a week ago in Sacramento, the UFW joined  partner groups from around the state--including Pesticide Action Network, California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, Californians for Pesticide Reform, Pesticide Watch, Lideres Campesinas, and Natural Resources Defense Council--in making the public and scientific case against methyl iodide in hopes of keeping it out of California's fields.

Please take action today. And again, thank you for what you have already done. Know that your efforts have already made a profound difference. 

Could you please help one more time and send your e-mail to the EPA today?