The protestors used dry ice as they staged a mock
fumigation on the capitol steps. They say if they had used
real methyl iodide, everyone in the area would have been
exposed to a powerful carcinogen.
The pesticide was approved for use in California during the last days of the Schwarzenegger administration. Paul Towers with the Pesticide Action Network says momentum is building to reverse that decision.
Paul Towers: "In a letter authored by 44 legislators just two weeks ago they clearly said, 'governor we need you to take action on this chemical.' And preeminent scientist from the university of California system and throughout the state have said there is no way this should be used. And clearly Governor Brown needs to take steps to take the chemical off the shelf."
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation says that the capitol protest involved "scare tactics." The agency says methyl iodide went through an extensive safety review and was found to be safe when used properly.
