The samples were then analyzed by an independent laboratory. The results clearly show that methyl bromide drifted from the field onto the Lamplighter property, and remained in the air for three days. While none of the levels measured exceeded DPR's regulatory standard for agricultural uses of methyl bromide, all samples exceeded the state's stricter Proposition 65 warning level for indoor use of the fumigant. This question is more difficult to answer, and is a matter of continued disagreement between public health advocates and state pesticide regulators.
People living near pesticide applications have a right to know what they are being exposed to.
This memo not only explains what our monitors found, but compares our findings to the safety standards set by the state and the Minimal Risk Levels established by the federal government. Methyl bromide detected in all samples For the first sample, the canister was located approximately 214 feet east of the edge of the fumigated tract. For the second sample, the canister was about 326 feet east of the treated parcel. It detected 68 ppb, averaged over 23 hours. For the final sample, the canister was approximately 438 feet from the tract.