Bill Would Protect Pesticide Whistle Blowers

"The EPA estimates that there are 10,000 to 20,000 physician-diagnosed pesticide illnesses and injuries per year related to farm work" Ken Roseboro, author of "The Organic Food Handbook"

Facing risk of retaliation from employers, farm workers are more apt to keep quiet about their exposure to pesticides, so say public health advocates. And, having the means to report their claims is not a viable option, as most worker camps do not have phones. Representative Dan Blue, D-North Carolina, proposed a bill to the House committee on Agriculture and Agricultural Economy on Thursday that addressed the need to revise the law regarding pesticide reporting. With it would come increased fines for worst case violators, whistle-blowing protection for those that wish to confidentially report workplace problems, working phones in camps, and the provision of emergency contact information. All of this comes on the heels of the Ag-Mart tomato growers' case. Ag-Mart was investigated for offering minimal protection to workers from pesticides, increasing possible health-related problems due to their extended exposure. Consumers worry about minute pesticide residues on food. Workers ought to work in conditions that are as safe as possible. We owe it to the workers who harvest that food.

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