Soured on the EPA

Re “EPA OKs use of toxic pesticide on fields,” Oct. 6

When I read about workers in respirators handling toxic substances, I picture them in a lab in full hazmat garb, not in the fields tending strawberries and tomatoes sprayed with methyl iodide. It is time to call my stockbroker and have her buy up any and all available shares in Whole Foods and organic farms. Any killing I knowingly participate in will be in the stock market, not from eating foods sprayed with the latest designer toxic substance guaranteed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Carol Foster

Burbank

As a mother concerned about her family, I read with disbelief the EPA’s approval of the toxic fumigant methyl iodide. Spraying our strawberry fields with this toxic pesticide is opposed by more than 50 scientists -- yet supported by the very agency charged with protecting the public. It’s ironic that the former chief executive of the fumigant’s manufacturer is now a top official at the EPA. From now on, it appears I will be crossing toxic strawberries off my grocery list.

LeAnn Angelich

Los Angeles

Cancers of all sorts caused by environmental substances are already rampant around the world. This new pesticide sounds like it could become our Armageddon. The good news is that the organically grown fruit and vegetable industry will become mainstream.

Judy Price

Hemet