Spotlight

Farmworkers & pesticides documentary project

This summer Toxic Free NC is doing a farmworker documentary project in order to bring the voices of farmworkers into the public process for policy issues that affect them. Our Communications Coordinator Ana Duncan Pardo partnered with Student Action with Farmworkers earlier this summer for a documentary training to get the project started. Pictured above: SAF Intern Alejandra learns to use audio equipment before her first interview with a worker.
>>Want to help? Contact us about donating supplies for this project, volunteering, or other ways of supporting our work.

Pesticides in the News

Also check out weekly news and commentary from Toxic Free NC on
Fair Ground

July 30, 2008: "Safe" pesticides now first in poisonings
"(...) Pyrethrins, extracted from the chrysanthemum plant, and their synthetic relatives, pyrethroids, have exploded in popularity over the last decade. They are now used in thousands of consumer products from Hartz Dog Flea & Tick Killer to Raid Ant and Roach Killer. These chemicals are found in bug-repellant clothing, flea collars, automatic misting devices, lawn-care products, and carpet sprays. (...)" >>full story from the Center for Public Integrity

July 29, 2008: Carbofuran Faces Ban
EPA decision could speed up removal of food pesticide from the U.S. market
"In a move that caught industry and environmental groups by surprise, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed on July 24 to ban residues of the neurotoxic pesticide carbofuran on all foods sold in the U.S., regardless of whether the food is imported or domestically grown. The proposal is contrary to EPA’s prior position, announced earlier this year, that would have allowed residues of the pesticide on imported foods and, if implemented, will expedite the elimination of carbofuran from the U.S. market. (...)" >>full story from Chemical & Engineering News

July 29, 2008: Lawmakers agree to ban toxins in children’s items
"Congressional negotiators agreed yesterday to a ban on a family of toxins found in children's products, handing a major victory to parents and health experts who have been clamoring for the government to remove harmful chemicals from toys. The rare action by Congress reflects a growing body of scientific research showing that children ingest the toxins by acts as simple as chewing on a rubber duck. Used for decades in plastic production, the chemicals are now thought to act as hormones and cause reproductive problems, especially in boys. (...)" >>full story from the Washington Post

.

Take Action

On Wednesday, 7/9, the NC Senate passed S 847, Prevent Agricultural Pesticide Exposure, and the bill is now headed to the Governor's desk for his signature. Thank you and congratulations to everyone who's taken action in support of this legislation! >>More information & send thank yous

>>RFP for IPM Consulting Services, deadline 8/17/08

Take Action

Readin', Writin' and Riddin' of Bugs
Is your school making the grade on pesticide notification for parents and staff? Take action today!

Attention parents and guardians, teachers, and other staff of public schools in North Carolina: You now have the right to be notified in advance of pesticide use at your school or work site! Is your school notifying you? >>Take action today