Stop the Toxic Stop the Toxic Shower Shower

The Ban Aerial Spraying The Ban Aerial Spraying Campaign Campaign

IDIS, September 2008IDIS, September 2008

What is aerial spraying?What is aerial spraying? form of pesticide application that uses a small

airplane or helicopter used by the banana plantations in Davao City

since 1960s targets sigatoka, a fungus that attacks the

leaves of banana plants and causes premature aging of fruits

mixture sprayed usually composed of pesticide, water, the oil or sticker and emulsifier

in the Philippines, only fungicides are allowed by FPA to be sprayed aerially

The chemicals The chemicals sprayed is inherently sprayed is inherently poison poison Pesticides are Pesticides are

designed to killdesigned to kill Even if registered by Even if registered by

the Fertilizer and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Pesticide Authority, still have still have ill effects on non-target ill effects on non-target organisms organisms

All banned pesticides All banned pesticides were once allowed for were once allowed for useuse

Why is there a need to ban aerial Why is there a need to ban aerial spraying?spraying?

Pesticide Poisoning Victims in India Pesticide Poisoning Victims in India

Pesticide Poisoning Vict ims in MindanaoPesticide Poisoning Vict ims in Mindanao

Fungicides sprayed Fungicides sprayed and their health effectsand their health effects

Active Active Ingredient Ingredient

Product Product Name/BrandName/Brand

Documented health effects Documented health effects

Azoxystrobin Azoxystrobin Bankit 250 ECBankit 250 EC Highly toxic to fish and invertebrates; not allowed Highly toxic to fish and invertebrates; not allowed for use in Canada for use in Canada

BiterthanolBiterthanol Baycor 300ECBaycor 300EC Possible source of birth defects; not allowed for Possible source of birth defects; not allowed for use in US farmsuse in US farms

PropiconazolePropiconazole Bumper 250 ECBumper 250 EC Possibly carcinogenic/cancer-causing; contains Possibly carcinogenic/cancer-causing; contains reproductive toxins reproductive toxins

TridemorphTridemorph Calixin 750 ECCalixin 750 EC Causes birth defects; not allowed for use in Causes birth defects; not allowed for use in Canada and UKCanada and UK

MancozebMancozeb Dithane 448 FDithane 448 F Carcinogenic; contains reproductive toxins; may Carcinogenic; contains reproductive toxins; may cause birth defects; suspected to disrupt cause birth defects; suspected to disrupt endocrine functions endocrine functions

ChlorotalonilChlorotalonil Daconil 720 FDaconil 720 F Carcinogenic; highly toxic to fish and aquatic Carcinogenic; highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; bio- accumulates in fish invertebrates; bio- accumulates in fish

Fungicides sprayed Fungicides sprayed and their health effectsand their health effects

Active Active Ingredient Ingredient

Product Product Name/BrandName/Brand

Documented health effects Documented health effects

ManebManeb Maneb 80 WPManeb 80 WP Causes birth defects; probable source of Causes birth defects; probable source of carcinogens; potential source of reproductive carcinogens; potential source of reproductive toxinstoxins

Diteconazole Diteconazole Sico 250 ECSico 250 EC No available data No available data

Propiconazole Propiconazole Tilt 250 ECTilt 250 EC Possibly carcinogenic; contains reproductive Possibly carcinogenic; contains reproductive toxins toxins

MancozebMancozeb Vondozeb Plus 80 Vondozeb Plus 80 WPWP

Potential cause of birth defectsPotential cause of birth defects

Thiophanate Thiophanate Methyl Methyl

Topsin M 70 WPTopsin M 70 WP Very highly toxic to catfish; toxic to earthworms; Very highly toxic to catfish; toxic to earthworms; causes damage to thyroid glands, producing causes damage to thyroid glands, producing hyperthyroidism hyperthyroidism

Aerial spraying increases the spray drift increasing toxic exposure predictable percentage of spray drift can reach to 3.2 km from

the treatment site -- USEPA 80 km – in hilly terrain under windy conditions – a study in central

Washington

contaminates open/exposed bodies of water (rivers, wetlands, and springs) where people get drinking water

contaminates the roofs of houses where people usually collect rainwater for domestic use

contaminates people, animals, other crops

Why is there a need to ban aerial Why is there a need to ban aerial spraying?spraying?

Common occurrence. Children on the way to school is sprayed by pesticides.Subasta, Davao City. June 2006. Photo by Dags Magaway

Poor regulations on aerial spraying; lack of enforcement; lack of monitoring Regulations for aerial spraying not regularly

monitored by Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority because of lack of personnel and budget

No environmental health monitoring Vegetative buffer zones near schools, rivers, public

roads, and houses, not complied with by banana companies

In Alaska, the current required buffers to protect drinking water sources is 66 meters

Proposed buffer zones by different concerned organizations is >1 mile around drinking water.

Why is there a need to ban aerial Why is there a need to ban aerial spraying?spraying?

YesYes Dr. Romy Quijano; Dr. Hernandez, et alDr. Romy Quijano; Dr. Hernandez, et al Dr. Lynn Panganiban (Head of National Dr. Lynn Panganiban (Head of National

Poison Management and Control Center and Poison Management and Control Center and Dr. N. Maramba (UP College of Medicine), et Dr. N. Maramba (UP College of Medicine), et alal

Kalusugan Alang sa Bayan (KAABAY)Kalusugan Alang sa Bayan (KAABAY) DOH study, 2006DOH study, 2006

Are there local and international Are there local and international studies that support the ban studies that support the ban position?position?

Drs. Quijano,Hernandez, et alDrs. Quijano,Hernandez, et al 11 out 24 individuals examined and water 11 out 24 individuals examined and water

samples from hand-pump well (source of samples from hand-pump well (source of drinking water in the community) were drinking water in the community) were positive for ETU – ethylenethiourea positive for ETU – ethylenethiourea (metabolite of mancozeb)(metabolite of mancozeb)

A spectrum of medical complaints and A spectrum of medical complaints and symptoms that is similar, if not identical to symptoms that is similar, if not identical to the symptoms of acute pesticide poisoningthe symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning

Occurrence of diseases atypical in quality – Occurrence of diseases atypical in quality – severe anemia in young males and blood severe anemia in young males and blood dyscrasiasdyscrasias

The growth of plant and marine life were stunted The growth of plant and marine life were stunted since pesticide exposure;since pesticide exposure;

Residents related that coconut trees that used to be Residents related that coconut trees that used to be their livelihood stopped bearing fruits. Raising pigs, their livelihood stopped bearing fruits. Raising pigs, chickens and other animals also proved to be very chickens and other animals also proved to be very difficult because they could die when spraying difficult because they could die when spraying occurs;occurs;

Meanwhile, fishermen complain about the regular Meanwhile, fishermen complain about the regular occurrence of fish kills and scant catch as ever occurrence of fish kills and scant catch as ever since the plantation started its operationssince the plantation started its operations

Toxic stories Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur

Toxic stories Toxic stories Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del SurKamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur

Since 1980s, pesticides and herbicides are applied by Since 1980s, pesticides and herbicides are applied by banana plantation dailybanana plantation daily

Fungicide sprayed once or twice a monthFungicide sprayed once or twice a month Residents nearby complain of strong and odorous Residents nearby complain of strong and odorous

fumes every time aerial spraying is done fumes every time aerial spraying is done Residents experience suffocation, weakness, nausea, Residents experience suffocation, weakness, nausea,

painful stinging of the eyes and itchingpainful stinging of the eyes and itching Residents vulnerable to fever, vomiting, cough and Residents vulnerable to fever, vomiting, cough and

body aches, asthma, anemia, goiter, and cancer body aches, asthma, anemia, goiter, and cancer Residents believe frequent deaths in the village due Residents believe frequent deaths in the village due

to these illnesses related to pesticide exposureto these illnesses related to pesticide exposure

Toxic stories Toxic stories Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur Many cases of still birth Many cases of still birth Many cases of children with abnormalities such as Many cases of children with abnormalities such as

cleft palate and severe skin diseasescleft palate and severe skin diseases Many cases of impaired mental development Many cases of impaired mental development

among childrenamong children Children have stunted growth, delayed Children have stunted growth, delayed

development of secondary sexual characteristics, development of secondary sexual characteristics, suffer wasting and have mental deficiencies suffer wasting and have mental deficiencies

Many residents exhibited signs and symptoms of Many residents exhibited signs and symptoms of tremors and palpitations suggestive of endocrine tremors and palpitations suggestive of endocrine disruptiondisruption

From City Hall From City Hall

to the to the CourtroomCourtroom Plantations filed a case in court questioning the validity Plantations filed a case in court questioning the validity

and constitutionality of the ordinance.and constitutionality of the ordinance.

Pagpakita og Kusog sa Korte Pagpakita og Kusog sa Korte

RTC DECISIONRTC DECISION

After 6 months of continuous hearings, RTC declared ordinance as valid and constitutional

Court gave weight to the testimony of affected residents and Dr Lynn Panganiban

Noted that testimonies of plantation ‘experts’ boomeranged on them

“The Sangguniang Panglungsod, after sufficient study and evaluation, acted wisely and decisively to put the welfare and concern of the people, highest priority and consideration”

Court of Appeals – Cagayan de Court of Appeals – Cagayan de OroOro Granted 60-day Temporary Restraining Granted 60-day Temporary Restraining

Order against the ordinance Order against the ordinance Granted a writ of preliminary injunction on Granted a writ of preliminary injunction on

the ordinance; aerial spray planes can fly the ordinance; aerial spray planes can fly again again

CA must decide on the constitutionality CA must decide on the constitutionality issue within 6 months (by July 2008)issue within 6 months (by July 2008)

CA failed to decide on the main case CA failed to decide on the main case within the designated time framewithin the designated time frame

Supreme Court Supreme Court battle coming up battle coming up next . . .next . . . City and affected communities filed a case at the City and affected communities filed a case at the

Supreme Court asking them to reverse the CA decision Supreme Court asking them to reverse the CA decision granting the preliminary injunction.granting the preliminary injunction.

Landmark caseLandmark case

Community assertion of their right to live, Community assertion of their right to live, right to health and a healthy environment right to health and a healthy environment vs. business interestvs. business interest

Power and obligation of the LGU to protect Power and obligation of the LGU to protect public welfare vs corporate greedpublic welfare vs corporate greed

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP: Maintain public vigilanceMaintain public vigilance . Be updated on the . Be updated on the

developments on the case as it is being heard at the developments on the case as it is being heard at the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

Organize Organize fora, educational activities within your group fora, educational activities within your group or community to increase awareness on the issue.or community to increase awareness on the issue.

Write statements of support Write statements of support to the Ordinance to the to the Ordinance to the Justices, banana companies or to your favorite Justices, banana companies or to your favorite newspapers. newspapers.

Sign on-line petit ion Sign on-line petit ion at www.dirtybananas.orgat www.dirtybananas.org Attend/organize Attend/organize prayer vigils, creative street actions prayer vigils, creative street actions

to press for the implementation of the ordinance. to press for the implementation of the ordinance. Do not eat aerial sprayed Cavendish bananasDo not eat aerial sprayed Cavendish bananas . .

Help educate Japanese and other consumers on the real Help educate Japanese and other consumers on the real cost of eating aerial-sprayed bananas.cost of eating aerial-sprayed bananas.

Aerial spraying is just the tip of the iceberg . . .

The bigger The bigger problem is problem is

corporate-led corporate-led plantation style plantation style

agricultural agricultural system of system of

monocroppingmonocropping

Environmental costsEnvironmental costs Contamination of drinking water sources -- Contamination of drinking water sources --

groundwater and surface watergroundwater and surface water Soil degradationSoil degradation Soil erosion and sedimentation of waterSoil erosion and sedimentation of water FlashfloodsFlashfloods Loss of biodiversityLoss of biodiversity Global warmingGlobal warming

Corporate-led agricultural system Corporate-led agricultural system of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

Health and food safety costsHealth and food safety costs Pesticide poisoning in plantation areas (Dr. Pesticide poisoning in plantation areas (Dr.

Quijano study)Quijano study) Food contamination – pesticide found in Food contamination – pesticide found in

fish sample in Tugbokfish sample in Tugbok Food security costsFood security costs

Massive conversion of actual and potential Massive conversion of actual and potential food production areas especially rice, corn, food production areas especially rice, corn, vegetable landsvegetable lands

Corporate-led agricultural system Corporate-led agricultural system of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

Circumvents agrarian reformCircumvents agrarian reform Reversal of land access & control under Reversal of land access & control under

agrarian reformagrarian reform Enhances & facilitates corporate control over Enhances & facilitates corporate control over

the country’s agricultural and food production the country’s agricultural and food production systemssystems

Labor issuesLabor issues Labor contracting only widely practiced in Labor contracting only widely practiced in

plantation areasplantation areas Questionable contractsQuestionable contracts

Corporate-led agricultural system of Corporate-led agricultural system of monocropping is the problemmonocropping is the problem

Policy issuesPolicy issues MTPDP – 2 million hectares for plantations, 1 MTPDP – 2 million hectares for plantations, 1

million hectares of which in Mindanaomillion hectares of which in Mindanao DENR Administrative Order 2003-30DENR Administrative Order 2003-30 New NCIP regulation on FPICNew NCIP regulation on FPIC

Corporate-led agricultural system Corporate-led agricultural system of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

Common occurrence. Children on the way to school is sprayed by pesticides.Subasta, Davao City. June 2006. Photo by Dags Magaway

As the court dilly-dallies and beyond the legal and technical issues;

The reality is, people in Davao and many other parts of Mindanao continue, to be sprayed with poison from airplanes.

Thank you! Thank you! Please visitPlease visitwww.dirtybananas.org www.dirtybananas.org And sign the on-line petitionAnd sign the on-line petition