Earlimart pesticide poisoning
1999 incident in California, US / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Earlimart pesticide poisoning refers to a November 13, 1999 pesticide drift event which occurred in the vicinity of a community in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. This event saw 24 victims sent to hospital after coming into contact with the pesticides directly, and a further 150 people were ordered to evacuate the township.[1][2] Residents were exposed to the compound metham sodium, a highly toxic fumigant used in weed-targeting pesticides.[3] The 24 poison victims suffered severe effects including vomiting, nausea, reoccurring headaches, and respiratory dysfunction.[2] The incident is worthy of note due to its influence in contemporaneous public advocacy against pesticide use broadly, as well as a catalyst perceived to have increased awareness on pesticide drift in general.[4] ==
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