CA pesticide regulators ready to OK controversial fumigant

The state moved closer Friday to permitting a controversial pesticide designed to replace ozone-depleting methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has long been used to fumigate berry fields to clear soil-borne diseases and pests before planting, but it's being phased out under international treaty. The state Department of Pesticide Regulation is proposing to allow the use of methyl iodide instead. The fumigant, marketed by Tokyo-based Arysta LifeScience Corp. under the name Midas, does not deplete ozone, but is considered too toxic for safe use by many scientists. State regulators say the proposal contains tough restrictions that will safeguard health. State pesticide regulators will accept comments on the proposal until June 14. "After extensive review, we have determined methyl iodide can be used safely with the extra health-protective use restrictions we are proposing that are so much stricter than those imposed anywhere else in the U.S.," said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, the state's top pesticide regulator, in a press release. Critics disagree.