They shortened the period for entering captan treated fields from four days to one day. The petition charges that the EPA made mathematical errors in establishing re-entry periods. California's Proposition 65 requires that the public and workers be warned if they are exposed to significant levels of pesticides. Data from strawberry growers show that workers are exposed to significant levels of captan. Workers organizing with The Strawberry Workers Campaign say in sworn affidavits they have not been warned.
Violations appear to occur throughout the strawberry industry.
Workers who filed affidavits work for several corporations, including two that claim to be industry leaders. The campaign will ask that fines and penalties be used for a fund to provide medical care for farm workers and their children. The allegations can be investigated by the state attorney general and local district attorneys. If the attorney general or district attorneys do not prosecute or settle the case, The Strawberry Workers Campaign can move it into the courts as a civil lawsuit. It is part of their campaign to improve their lives.