Residents, community groups, and statewide health organizations released a report today detailing the dangers of pesticides used by the blueberry industry and announced the launch of an effort to reduce Mainers’ exposure to toxic pesticides.

“For decades, Mainers have been exposed to cancer-causing pesticides that endanger the health of their communities, families, and waterways,” said Will Everitt, Associate Director of Toxics Action Center. “We need to reduce Mainers’ exposure to toxic pesticides and protect families and workers from these dangerous chemicals.”

According to Catching the Toxic Drift, a report released by Toxics Action Center, 31% of the pesticides used in the blueberry industry are possible carcinogens, 26% cause reproductive or developmental effects, and 35% are moderately to highly toxic through acute exposure. Of particular concern are the insecticides (chemicals that kill insects) and fungicides used by the industry.

Of the ten insecticides recommended for use on blueberry crops:
- 33% (three) are possible carcinogens according to the EPA.
- 40% (four) cause reproductive or developmental effects or are endocrine disruptors.
- 60% (six) are moderately to highly toxic through acute exposures.

Of the nine fungicides recommended for use on blueberry crops:
- 67% (six) are possible carcinogens according to the EPA.
- 44% (four) cause reproductive or developmental effects or are endocrine disruptors.
- 33% (three) are moderately to highly toxic through acute exposures.

The report also details pesticide drift problems caused by aerial spraying. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) has documented that pesticides from aerial spraying of blueberries has drifted nearly a mile from its intended target.

According to the report, in addition to being a threat to public health, the pesticides used by the industry also threaten Maine’s natural resources and waterways. Of the 26 active ingredients of pesticides recommended for use by the blueberry industry:
- 62% (sixteen) are moderately to very highly toxic to aquatic life.
- 65% (seventeen) cause chronic problems in aquatic life.

“The bottom line is that pesticides are a serious threat to our waterways, our fisheries and the industries that depend on them,” said Matthew Davis, Advocate of Environment Maine. “We need stronger protections to keep these toxic chemicals out of our waterways.”

“Mainers are sick of catching the drift and the health problems that it brings,” said Cindy Look, a nurse and Downeast resident. “Aerial spraying of pesticides has affected our communities for long enough. It is time for the state to catch our drift and begin to protect our communities.”

These concerned groups and Maine citizens announced the kick-off of a campaign to protect Mainers and our environment from toxic pesticides. Residents are petitioning the PBC to adopt rule changes that would:
1) phase out the use of aerial spraying,
2) phase out the use of organophosphates, one of the most dangerous classes of pesticides,
3) increase citizens’ right to know about toxic pesticides in our communities, and
4) increase monitoring of toxic pesticide drift and run off.

In order to initiate changes in the BPC’s rules, residents need to collect 150 signatures from registered voters in the state. The Board of Pesticides Control will then have 60 days to address the issues.

“Mainers across the state are banding together to become part of the process,” said Everitt. “Those who’ve been threatened by toxic pesticides are now exercising their right to safe and healthy homes free from pesticide exposure.”