This morning my sister directed me to a petition asking Mary-Ann Warmerdam, Director of the Department of Pesticide Regulation, not to approve the use of a new and terrifying chemical called “Methyl Iodide” on our local strawberry crops. At first, I was about to sign the petition blindly, until I read: “Complete the following to submit your comment. You’ll receive periodic updates on offers and activism opportunities.” This upset me because every time I sign a petition, I don’t want to receive updates from other causes or any SPAM in general. I’ve noticed that in recent years, my participation in numerous online causes has subsequently filled my inbox with a flood of unwanted email and I’m constantly unsubscribing from lists. What a pain.
That said, this is a really important cause and while I won’t sign the petition via the website, I did write a personal letter to Mary-Ann Warmerdam. I looked her up online and found her email address and contact information. Click here for contact info.
I already buy organic strawberries from the farmer’s market. They’re so delicious and juicy and freakin’ huge! I very rarely buy non-organic fruits and vegetables. I figure, why push it? As citizens of a industrial society, we’re already exposed to so many chemicals – why add more? Why ingest them? Why pass them onto our children? Besides, organic looks and tastes better. It’s the way nature intended. I like nature.
Methyl iodide has an LD50 for oral administration to rats 76 mg/kg, and in the liver it undergoes rapid conversion to S-methylglutathione.[6] It is a possible carcinogen based on ACGIH, NTP, or EPA classification.
Breathing methyl iodide fumes can cause lung, liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. It causes nausea, dizziness, coughing and vomiting. Prolonged contact with skin causes burns. Massive inhalation causes pulmonary edema.
This is what I wrote to Ms. Warmerdam:
Dear Ms. Warmerdam,
It has come to my attention that the carcinogen Methyl Iodide is about to be approved for use on our local strawberry crops. This is concerning for numerous reasons, which I am sure you are aware. You should know that the people of California (and the world) are leaning more and more towards organic and eco-friendly options and WANT healthier food on their table. Dangerous chemicals are not the way. There are better ways to keep our food pest free and provide Californians healthy, organic food without destroying our immune systems in the process. Real change begins by making a simple decision to do the right thing. It starts with people like you.
Please do not approve this horrifying chemical. Help the world, help California, and help our children grow and flourish in a world that provides healthy food for us all.
Thank you for your time,
Kristen Bezark
Pasadena, California
If you care about the food you put on your table or send to your children’s little bellies, send Ms. Warmerdam a note and let her know you don’t approve of this new chemical being used on our food. Decision makers need to know we don’t want it. They need to look for healthier options and they need to hear from us.
Photo Credit: Unknown