Farmworker communities across California are condemning the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) new draft rule on the cancer-causing pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). They say the regulation discriminates against Latino and Indigenous residents by allowing much higher exposure levels than for workers.

The draft permits “occupational bystanders” — farmworkers near but not directly applying the pesticide — to encounter 1,3-D at levels up to 0.21 parts per billion (ppb) while at work. This is far less than the 0.56 ppb limit DPR sets for children and families living close to the fields. This discrepancy has stirred anger in communities like Lindsay, Watsonville, and Ventura County, where many fear the pesticide’s long-term health effects.

What is 1,3-Dichloropropene?

First registered in the United States in 1954 and in California in 1970, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) is a fumigant pesticide used to control nematodes in soil. Dow Chemical manufactures it under the brand name Telone II. This colorless-to-straw-colored liquid emits a sweet, irritating odor and is commonly used in strawberry, grape, almond, and walnut fields in California’s Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley.

1,3-D is either injected into the ground or applied through drip lines. It often drifts for miles due to wind and evaporation, potentially affecting communities near the fields. A previous version of Telone contained 1,2,3-TCP, a persistent carcinogen that remains in some California water supplies to this day.

Health Risks of 1,3-D Exposure

Exposure to 1,3-D can cause both acute and long-term health issues. In the short term, people may experience irritation of the skin and nose or slower weight gain in infants. High exposure levels can lead to nausea, headaches, depression, liver and bladder damage, and breathing difficulties.

Over time, chronic exposure to even small amounts of 1,3-D increases cancer risk and can damage the lining of the nose. This pesticide is classified as a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65 and is listed as a Toxic Air Contaminant by the state. Currently banned in 34 countries, 1,3-D was prohibited in California from 1990 to 1995 after high air concentration levels were recorded in the Central Valley.

Community Voices Concern

Jacob Sandoval, State Director of the California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), expressed the frustration shared by many. “It’s good that DPR is finally using OEHHA’s findings for some. But why not all?” he asked. “It’s outrageous to say that children — and mostly Latino children here — can be exposed to fourteen times more cancer-causing 1,3-D than adults.”

Community advocates argue that the state’s tolerance for higher 1,3-D levels in residential areas shows a disregard for rural, mostly Latino communities. OEHHA, the state’s health assessment office, recommends a safe daily exposure limit of 0.04 ppb for cancer risk. Yet DPR’s rules permit 14 times that level for children and residents near fields.

In Ventura County, Kari Aist, a local educator, says schools near fields often see high cancer rates. “So many students and staff have cancer,” she said. “Most of those kids are people of color. DPR’s regulation is environmental racism.”

Data shows that counties with high Latino populations face much greater exposure to pesticides like 1,3-D than others in the state. Activists argue the new rules favor Dow Chemical, the pesticide’s manufacturer. DPR’s draft aligns with Dow’s preferred limit of 0.56 ppb for residential areas. Angel Garcia, co-director of Californians for Pesticide Reform, says this approach sacrifices community safety for corporate profit.

“Our regulations should be driven by health-protective science. If DPR can get away with manipulating their regulations so they avoid the conclusions of our State’s own toxicologists at OEHHA, well, they’ll do it again and again,” said Garcia. “This is Trump’s approach to regulation – profits before people. We must resist that and insist that science drives policy in California and right now on 1,3-D.”

Community members concerned about the draft regulation on 1,3-D have several opportunities to share their voices. The DPR will hold public hearings in various locations across California in January 2025, as well as a virtual session for those unable to attend in person. Spanish interpretation will be available.

• Visalia
  Wednesday, Jan. 8
  5:45 p.m. presentation, 6 – 8 p.m. hearing
  Visalia Veterans’ Memorial
  609 W. Center Ave., Visalia, CA 93291
• Virtual Session
  Friday, Jan. 10
  9:45 a.m. presentation, 10 a.m. hearing
  Zoom (Webinar ID: 845 7679 6884)
• Salinas
  Thursday, Jan. 16
  5:45 p.m. presentation, 6 – 8 p.m. hearing
  National Steinbeck Center
  1 Main St., Salinas, CA 93901
• Chico
  Tuesday, Jan. 21
  5:45 p.m. presentation, 6 – 8 p.m. hearing
  Chico Women’s Club
  592 E. 3rd St., Chico, CA 95928

Additionally, written public comments on the draft regulation may be submitted to DPR no later than January 24, 2024. Comments can be sent through DPR’s online portal: https://cdpr.commentinput.com?id=gCFatJfYB.