Cloud of Pesticide Forces 150 to Evacuate Town; 29 Go to Hospitals

Mist from a weed-killing pesticide blew into this small San Joaquin Valley town, forcing 150 people to evacuate and sending 29 to hospitals.

Those exposed to the pesticide were treated at area hospitals Saturday night, complaining of nausea, vomiting, headaches, burning eyes and shortness of breath from the metam sodium, Tulare County sheriff’s officials said Sunday. Hospital officials said all were treated and released.

Residents were not allowed back into their homes until about 11:30 p.m., about six hours after the leak occurred.

Growers had contracted Shafter-based Wilbur-Ellis Co. to spray the chemical, commonly known as sectagon 42, on the field using sprinklers.

“It was applied per the directions, so I’m not sure how it ended up coming back into town,” said Tulare County Fire Capt. Patricia Granillo. “It was just kind of hanging in town once it came in.”

Tulare County agriculture officials are investigating the leak. Wilbur-Ellis officials did not immediately return a call seeking comment Sunday night.

Members of the United Farm Workers said the chemical is a highly toxic fumigant that has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals. It is sometimes used instead of methyl bromide to spray crops.

Earlimart, a town of about 6,000, is about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.