Farmworkers
Implications of the Minnesotan Ruling on Pesticide Drift
Organic farmers and consumers suffer a big setback when Minnesotan judges reverse a previous ruling that terms pesticide drift as trespass. read more...
Pesticides and Breast Cancer
Every October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are educated about the importance of early detection through regular screening. Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases a woman's chances of surviving breast cancer. But what causes breast cancer? Can it be prevented? read more...
Study Links Herbicide use and Cancer
A series of studies has found that farmers develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma more often than other people do, but until now it has been difficult for scientists to explain why this increase occurs. New research, however, shows that exposure to the herbicide glyphosate, commonly sold as Roundup, is one explanation. The study was published in 2003 by researchers at the National Cancer Institute, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Kansas University Medical Center, and the University of Iowa College of Medicine. read more...
Exposure to Fungicides Linked with Nerve Damage
Most researchers agree that high levels of exposure to certain pesticides damage nerves, but there has been more controversy about whether long-term moderate exposure to pesticides can damage our nervous system. A new review compiles research showing that this kind of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and fumigants is linked with nerve damage. The researchers noted the links with fungicide use, as these were unexpected. read more...
Parkinson's Disease and Pesticide Exposure: New Research
Parkinson's disease affects mostly older people and is characterized by tremors, rigidity, slow movements, and poor balance. It appeared to be a new disease when it was first described as a "shaking palsy" almost 200 years ago. read more...
Pesticides Linked to Allergic Asthma in Farm Women
A recent study of adult-onset asthma in farm women shows that allergic asthma may be linked to using pesticides. Many studies have looked at respiratory hazards of farming activities for men, but there is little research on respiratory risks to farm women. read more...
Pregnancy-Related Diabetes Linked to Pesticide Exposure
Diabetes during pregnancy has been linked to pesticide exposure, according to a March 2007 study. read more...
Brain Cancer Linked to Pesticide Exposure
In the Bordeaux area of France, where vineyards dominate the agricultural landscape, researchers found that workers who were highly exposed to pesticides had an increased risk of brain cancer. Gliomas – one kind of brain tumor – were particularly associated with those who applied pesticides. read more...
EPA Forced to Review Pesticide Testing on Humans
It sounds like a horror movie, but unfortunately it is all true. Industry thinks it is okay to test pesticides and their toxicity on actual human subjects. Literally, humans were being used as lab rats for the industry to spray these poisons directly on their skin, walking into vapor chambers filled with the pesticides and more. However, the EPA is now taking action to eliminate this terrible practice. read more...
Save the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program
Take Action! Save the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. This important program assists small and mid-size farmers with defraying some of the costs of the organic certification process. H.R. 5326 is a threat to this program. read more...
