Methyl bromide is injected into the soil before planting strawberries, almonds, wine grapes and other crops. I acutely toxic compound, the pesticide is a potent ozone depleter, and is harmful to the lungs, kidneys, eyes, and skin. California uses more methyl bromide than any other state, with more than 17 million pounds applied in 1995, much of it by Central Coast strawberry growers. It is also commonly used in Southern California to fumigate buildings for insects. In the last two decades, at least 19 people have died from exposure to methyl bromide in structural fumigation.
Children are particularly at risk.
An Environmental Working Group study found that more than 2.4 million pounds of methyl bromide were applied near California schools in 1995, the latest year for which use figures are available. The ruling is a long-awaited victory for Californians who continued to demand protection from pesticides that threaten the health and safety of their communities.