Last Chance to Call the Governor - Methyl Iodide
Six months ago, state authorities could've said no to the highly carcinogenic pesticide methyl iodide, but now, we're at very serious risk of allowing this toxic pesticide to be used in California.
Take action to make sure toxic methyl iodide is not allowed in California fields.
Methyl iodide is so dangerous that it is used to create cancer in laboratories and over 50 scientists across the country - 5 of them Nobel Laureates - sent a letter to the 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."
Exposure to methyl iodide is linked to severe health concerns, including miscarriages and cancer. Scientists are concerned that it will contaminate groundwater. State agencies estimate that workers could be exposed to 3000 times the "acceptable" dose. Methyl Iodide would be one of the most toxic pesticides in use in California, would seriously threaten the health of farmworkers and rural communities, and could contaminate California's groundwater.
The agrochemical industry is pushing hard to use methyl iodide. Make sure your voice is heard: Demand that this highly toxic chemical not be approved as a pesticide in California!
Call Governor Schwarzenegger today -- a quick phone call is the most effective way to let him know that methyl iodide is NOT safe for California, or anywhere.
You can use the below petition text as a guide when you call, and sign the petition after you call. Please take these simple actions now, and help us spread the word. Join families nationpanna.wide who are creating a safer, healthier world. We may not see another opportunity like this in our lifetimes.
I am extremely concerned about the health and environmental effects of this toxic chemical and believe it is California's responsibility to protect me and my family from such poisonous substances.
Although I support the decision to phase out methyl bromide, I don’t think replacing one dangerous chemical with another upholds this responsibility in any way, especially when alternatives exist. From farms like Swanton Berry to strawberry giants like Driscoll, farmers know how to grow strawberries and other fruits and vegetables without toxic fumigants.
I am so concerned about methyl iodide because:
1. Methyl Iodide is a known carcinogen, a thyroid disrupter, a neurotoxin and may cause miscarriages.
2. It is used in laboratories to create cancer cells for scientific research.
3. Methyl Iodide will contaminate our groundwater.
Our health and water are too important to compromise with a chemical that causes cancer, late–term miscarriages and “chronic, irreversible brain damage.”
You can sign the petition without calling, but remember that a call can be more effective than a dozen emails.