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.
The autopsy report determined that Mr. Valerin died from intoxication from organophosphates, which caused internal bleeding and brain damage. On a nearby plantation, Enquirer reporters saw a work team applying terbufos, classified as extremely hazardous to humans by the World Health Organization. According to EPA guidelines, once the pesticide is put on the ground, no one should be allowed in the area for at least 24 hours unless wearing protective clothing and a respirator. But with the air thick with the heavy smell of pesticides, the Enquirer team observed children from the nearby village playing in the area amid open bags of terbufos and plants just treated with the pesticide. No warning signs were posted and no workers tried to stop the children from playing in the area or passing through.