The Poison On Our Potatoes
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Here to Add Comment Subject: The Poison On Our Potatoes
Date:
Wed, 11 Dec 2002 08:46:15
-0500
From:
Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization: Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To: Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide
Regulation
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
News - THE POISON ON OUR POTATOES - Dec 8 2002
Pesticide that killed 4000 in India sprayed on fields - Leaked Government report admits risk is `significant' Marion Scott Exclusive SCIENTISTS fear a powerful pesticide used by farmers on newly-planted potatoes is putting lives at risk in Scotland.
A leaked report obtained by the Sunday Mail reveals serious concerns over the Aldicarb pesticide.
Scottish Executive Environmental Rural Affairs Department scientists launched an investigation into the use of the chemical after it was linked to the death of three dogs in the Borders.
Now environmental watchdogs are being urged to alert farmers about the dangers and put up warning signs.
The pesticide is commonly used in newly-planted potato fields in Scotland despite being banned in many countries.
Aldicarb, the poison that killed more than 4000 Indians and left thousands with horrific side-effects in the Bhopal chemical disaster of 1984, is used to treat 40 per cent of Scotland's potato crops.
It is delivered to the crop underground during potato planting by supposedly failsafe specialist machinery. It stops them from turning brown or being attacked by tiny worm- like parasites called nematodes.
But three dogs died agonising deaths after walking through potato fields in the Borders earlier this year.
Now, the Sunday Mail can reveal, Scottish Executive Environmental Rural Affairs Department scientists have warned "people are at risk" particularly from touching or eating potatoes that have been stolen from a field.
The leaked report by a SEERAD official warns "spillage during a planting operation is almost inevitable" and "warning signs should be used in treated areas." The report also describes danger to people who dig up newly planted, treated potatoes.
The author warned: "I am aware that every year a small but significant quantity of newly planted potatoes are dug up and stolen.
This pesticide must represent a risk to these people... these risks may be significant."
The report was ordered after Ozzie, a six-month-old Labrador, collapsed, foaming at the mouth, after running beside a potato field near Jedburgh in April.
Around the same time, two champion pointer dogs died after swallowing a mouthful of contaminated potato left by careless treatment contractors in Kelso.
Ozzie's owners unwittingly endangered their own lives by trying to bring their puppy back to life three times, breathing into his mouth in a desperate attempt to keep him alive, unaware that even skin contact with a few grains of Aldicarb can prove fatal.
Owner Robert Taylor, 53, of Jedburgh, said: "We'd no idea there were such terrible dangers in the countryside, and we've lived here for 30 years. I shudder to think what would have happened if a child had been contaminated."
Kelso farmer Peter O'Driscoll's champion pointer dogs, worth thousands, were killed after grabbing a potato in his own field during planting season.
Peter, 52, from Kelso, said: "People have a right to know just how easily tragedies can happen. Animals may be contaminated and killed during the 13-week toxic period but most farmers wouldn't even think of reporting it.
"Experts say the incidents involving our dogs shouldn't have happened. But they did. It has scared me rigid.
"The amount of Aldicarb used on one single field could kill hundreds.
It's absolutely chilling."
One of Scotland's largest potato merchants, Richard Moore of Strathtay Potato Company, said: "Farmers either use pesticide or produce crops consumers won't eat. If there was an alternative to pesticides, they'd use it."
Fully grown potatoes are perfectly safe to eat. But there's danger if pesticides aren't used according to strict guidelines. With skull and crossbones warning notices on pesticide containers, Aldicarb is deadly to livestock and wildlife for an alarming 13 weeks after soil is treated.
Yet farmers aren't even required to put up warning notices in fields.
And environmental experts warn even with underground delivery systems, pesticides can contaminate rivers, carried by ever increasing rainfall. Friends of the Earth pesticide expert Dr Sandra Bell said: "This stuff can be absolutely deadly. We want a total ban.
"We estimate damage to wildlife to be immense. We're one of the few countries in Europe which still allows Aldicarb to be used." The World Health Organisation describes Aldicarb as "extremely hazardous". It has been found in fruits and vegetables, prompting an increasing number of EU countries banning or severely restricting its use.
Aldicarb is marketed under the trade name Temik by chemical giants Bayer CropScience. Spokesman Clive Rainbird said: "The deaths of three dogs were sad and extremely unusual.
"Used as directed, Aldicarb is safe and effective for the user and consumer.
"The government require us to place 13-week warnings but potatoes are safe to eat after eight weeks.
Aldicarb is under review in the EU and we're awaiting the outcome."
But environment expert Professor Andrew Watterson of Stirling University said: "There's a huge question mark over whether we should be using this stuff at all."
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12435943&method=full&siteid=86024
Well Mr. Helliker, There are safe and far more effective unregistered alternatives.
Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten
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