Study Cites Fumigant Use Near Schools

Large quantities of a toxic bug killer are used near more students and more schools in Ventura County than anywhere else in the state, according to a report released Thursday by an advocacy group examining methyl bromide use in California.

The report by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group examines use of the controversial fumigant in 1998, and release of the document comes just one week before the beginning of a series of public hearings on new statewide pesticide restrictions.

Using government statistics, the report shows that while use of methyl bromide is declining across California, applications of the chemical on crops near schools increased 41% between 1995 and 1998.

About 1,150 tons--one-sixth of all the methyl bromide used in the state--was applied near 455 public schools, the study shows.

“While use does not equal exposure, schools are indicators of residential neighborhoods and we believe that the schools are symbols of the community around them,” said Bill Walker of the Environmental Working Group.

Seven of the 20 schools where large quantities of methyl bromide were used within 1 1/2 miles are in Oxnard and Camarillo.

Rio Mesa High and Rio Plaza Elementary topped the statewide list, with 72 tons and 63 tons applied, respectively. The other schools are Camarillo High, Laguna Vista Elementary, Oxnard High, Rio Real Elementary and Rio Del Valle Junior High.

About 10,000 students attend classes at those campuses, according to the study.

Children of color are more likely to be exposed because 85% of the students enrolled at schools where fumigants are used nearby are nonwhite, according to the study. Other parts of the state where children attend class in proximity to heavy methyl bromide use include Monterey, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties.

Officials for the Oxnard Union High School District and Oxnard School District did not return calls Thursday.

California leads the nation in methyl bromide use. Growers use the odorless gas before planting to rid soil of insects, rodents and weeds. Crews inject the gas about one foot into the soil and cover fields with tarps to keep it from escaping. It is favored by strawberry growers and effective replacements have proven difficult to find.

The chemical kills bugs, and is very toxic to humans. About 500 methyl bromide poisonings have been reported in California since 1982. Under terms of an international treaty, methyl bromide must be phased out by 2005 because the gas depletes the Earth’s protective ozone layer when it evaporates.

Bob Krauter, spokesman for the California Farm Bureau, said California has the world’s strictest regulations for the substance, greatly reducing potential health risks.