6 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2000, in Earlimart
Hearing with state pesticide chief
into plight of Earlimart victims
from Nov. 13 mass poisoning incident
Residents in the farm worker town of Earlimart who are still suffering from a mass pesticide poisoning last Nov. 13 will take their case before top public officials–including state Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Paul Helliker–during a public hearing Wednesday evening sponsored by community and environmental groups, and the United Farm Workers.
More than 20 poisoning victims are still experiencing severe symptoms such as recurring headaches and asthma-like ailments. Many are children. Several will speak at the hearing.
No action has yet been taken by state officials against the pesticide applicator. There has been no study of the health affects of the incident even though officials from the state Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment say they would do so if the county made a request.
On Nov. 13, 1999, a cloud of gas from the highly toxic soil fumigant metam sodium, sold as sectagon, rolled over Earlimart. Parts of the small southern Tulare County community were evacuated. Approximately 150 people were forced to leave their homes; 24 persons were transported to the hospital.
Residents and community groups will argue at the forum that current laws do not provide adequate safety measures for homes, schools and playgrounds against pesticides known to cause cancer and birth defects, and to contaminate water supplies. Also present will be representatives of U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Assemblymember Dean Florez (D-Shafter).
Who: State pesticide chief Paul Helliker, residents of Earlimart who suffered from a Nov. 13 mass pesticide poisoning; community groups such as El Comite Para El Bienestar de Earlimart and the UFW.
What: A public hearing on the mass pesticide poisoning of Earlimart residents last Nov. 13.
When: 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2000.
Where:Earlimart Memorial Building, 712 East Washington Ave., Earlimart.
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