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One Contaminant or Another

Finding a way to grow strawberries safely and economically has proven quite the daunting task.

First there was methyl bromide, a highly toxic chemical fumigant that successfully protected strawberry crops from weeds, damaging pests and fungus. But methyl bromide was such a potent chemical that beyond causing health harm to those who sprayed it and those who consumed its residue on berries, it also played a major role in burning holes in the ozone layer, placing everyone at greater risk for cancer. In 1992, numerous countries (including the United States) agreed to ban the production of methyl bromide and begin to phase out its use.

Millions of research dollars later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came up with an alternative: methyl iodide, a close cousin to methyl bromide that many find equally effective at protecting strawberry crops. Methyl iodide appears to be safe for the Earth’s ozone layer as well.

Unfortunately, it does not appear to be safe for humans. California includes methyl iodide on its list of carcinogens.  Scientists have also linked this chemical to respiratory and thyroid problems and it has been shown to cause reproductive damage to laboratory animals.  Many fumigants, like methyl bromide and methyl iodide, are not only dangerous to their target pests like insects, fungus and mold, they are also dangerous to people.

Researchers continue to look for other chemical alternatives that are less harmful to humans. In the meantime, strawberry consumers would be wise to go organic.

For more information, go to http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/mba/july98/bacteria.htm, or click here.

For information on organic strawberry farming, read the EPA case study or visit http://www.agroecology.org/cases/organicstrawberry.htm.

And to help choose the safest food for your family, visit the shopper’s guide to pesticides in produce at:  http://www.foodnews.org/

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org or www.healthandenvironment.org.