The U.S. EPA ‘ which had, under Bush, approved the carcinogenic new pesticide for use despite protests from scientists around the country ‘ just indicated that it plans to re-consider methyl iodide, pending the results of California’s independent Scientific Review Panel.
This chemical is so toxic, and so consistently carcinogenic, that scientists who use minute amounts in the lab are required to take extraordinary precautions in order to avoid exposure. If used as a fumigant, methyl iodide would be released as a gas at rates up to 175 lbs. per acre. The pesticide would likely contaminate groundwater while putting farm workers and nearby communities at serious risk as the invisible chemical moves with the wind.