For workers, the unannounced aerial spraying is a constant fear. They never tell us about the aerial spraying. Small crop dusters will fly low over the banana trees and emit clouds of pesticides that settle over the tall, leafy plants. They also settle on workers, nearby villagers, animals, and open water. As two Enquirer reporters witnessed, on recently sprayed farms the air is heavy with a stifling chemical stench.
Breathing is difficult and the pesticide residue covers everything.
Mr. Perez said through a translator that a white film gets all over his clothes and body when spraying occurs. I don't get any protective clothing. The white stuff gets all over my arms and on my clothes. I get a lot of rashes. Spraying also endangers families living near the plantations.