These children often scamper for cover every time aerial spraying is conducted while they are on their way to school. One morning, though, the children were too slow to avoid the poisonous yellow shower. This is because the banana plantation company in their village in Subasta, Calinan District failed to announce the aerial spraying schedule.

This picture goes to show that not only are the banana plants get sprayed by the carcinogenic chemicals but also the people, including children who are mostly vulnerable to diseases.

SECOND-HAND POISON

Environmental exposures to fungicides usually involve relatively low concentration that may occur over long periods of times. While the human health effects associated with chronic, low level pesticide exposures are not yet well understood, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that environmental pesticide exposures are associated with neurological and reproductive damage, effects on growth and development, birth defects, endoctrine disruption, cancer, and other adverse effects.

In 1999, toxicologist Dr. Romeo Quijano and daughter Ilang-Ilang published a study (Kamukhaan: A Village Poisoned) documenting the effects of 19 years of regular ground and aerial spraying on a small community near banana plantation in Kamukhaan, Davao del Sur.

The initial study and consequent international fact finding missions confirmed significant health impact to both children and adults, as well as to farm animals. Contaminated soil and water were also attributed to the spraying of chemicals.

While the major causes of diseases were communicable and typical in poor, rural Filipino communities, some atypical patterns were also reported which were consistent with independent studies documenting health impacts from pesticide exposure.

■ An unusual significant number of adult males showed signs and symptoms of anemia and possible blood dyscrasias;
■ A signficant number of males and females exhibited signs and symptoms of tremors and palpitations suggestive or endocrine disruption;
■ A considerable number of children showed developmental delays including stunting, wasting, delays in development of secondary sexual characteristics, and mental difficiencies.

Note:

The study of Dr. Quijano resulted to a filing of libel and civil suits against him and his daughter Ilang-Ilang by the banana giant Lapanday, formerly owned by former Agriculture Sec. Luiz Lorenzo.

While the libel suit was also trashed by the court, the Lapanday Corp. continued it's civil case against the Quijanos.


More on pesticides tomorrow.