Terrorists could adapt moth spraying tactics for anthrax
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Terrorists could adapt moth spraying tactics for anthrax, say experts
Date:
Tue, 1 Apr 2003
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
Check out the article in the Times Colonist, Monday 31, 2003, page C8.
Terrorists could adapt moth spraying tactics for anthrax, say experts by Lindsay Kines - CanWest News Service
This article deserves response from everybody who suffered following the 1999 aerial spray of Btk.
The article profiles the opinion of two UVic researchers who evaluated scientific evidence gathered during the 1999 aerial spray in the BC capital region. The focus of their research was the unexpected extent to which people in and out of the spray zone were exposed to and potentially infected by Btk spores. The article states that extensive testing revealed that the Btk spores entered people's homes and nasal passages. The researchers also state that nobody fell ill because of the Btk spraying.
This latter statement flies in the face of anecdotal and scientific evidence. In fact, there is plenty of evidence that people became ill. Many people caught in the spray developed skin rashes and eye infections; people with compromised immune systems developed infections which cultured Btk; people with asthma and lung disorders reported that their conditions worsened and that they needed extra medication; a child was rushed to the hospital with a first-time asthma attack; he tested positive for Btk and his doctor said that he believed the asthmatic reaction was caused by the spray.
Health Canada scientists published a study in 2000 showing that the bacteria in commercial Btk-based insecticides could break down human blood cell walls - in other words, infect humans. Other studies published in peer-reviewed journals show that Btk can cause gastroenteritis, infect wounds, and cause allergic response.
If you were affected by the aerial spray in 1999, let the Times Colonist know.
Letters to the Editor Times Colonist, Box 300, Victoria, BC V8W 2N4 Fax: 250-380-5353 email (no attachments): letters@tc.canwest.com
----- Jean Wallace Sierra Club Victoria Group Victoria, BC
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