I was thinking about the American Lung Association 2008 State of the Air Report, where again Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco were rated as having some of the cleanest air in California.
What about the light brown apple moth? Aerial pesticide spraying already poisoned tens of thousands of residents, animals, insects, and birds.
700 dead or dying birds washed ashore after one spray.
If Schwarzenegger gets his way, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz and San Francisco will be polluted with aerial pesticides to be sprayed at night over tens of millions of people, trees, lawns, and animals every few months for years until the moth is eradicated, which scientists say can't be eradicated and is no threat.
Reportedly the spray remains potent in the air for up to 30 days.
There's a known carcinogen in the spray, according to an OSHA physician with whom I spoke, who specializes in pesticides.
The pesticide messes with the reproductive capabilities of the moth, too.
And humans?
I paid a visit to Santa Cruz and Monterey last November, a week after an aerial pesticide spray.
I didn't know about the spray prior to my visit and indeed these supposed clean air cities' air was most polluted.
For the first time in my adult life, I missed three periods in a row after this visit.
Thankfully, I'm back to normal but I wonder whose reproductive system this pesticide is interrupting besides the moth.
To read the "posion" label on Checkmate pesticide spray (to be used on moth and Californians), check this web site.
Scientists say the light brown apple moth can't be eradicated, which means, if legislators keep trying, the air in above so-called clean areas will remain polluted until at least 2010. Some say they're prepared to spray until 2018.
If you live in San Francisco, their planned spray is to begin August 2008. You can protest the spray by attending meeting this May 8th in SF. Click here for more info.
So when you read the American Lung Association's report keep in mind they're reporting ozone, soot, and fine particulate matter, not pesticides, which is currently a significant issue in California.
(Since I wrote about this, activists stopped The Arnold, our actor, from poisoning Californians further with pesticides)
If you're researching a clean area on their list, consider nearby industries and what they're putting into our air, as a result. That's how I chase clean air and uncover the truth... you're not always getting the whole truth when relying on narrow interests, select industries and associations.
