Herbicide Applicator Is Chemically Injured
I work for the Department of .Transportation. I was hired to rake asphalt. The second. year, I was moved to herbicide applicator of the right of ways and the interstate. I sprayed TRANSLINE, VANTAGE, this has an inert of naphthalene, GLYPRO, GARLON 3A, 44% TRICHLOPYR, PLATEAU. TRICHLOPYR IS CHEMICALLY VERY SIMILAR TO 2,4,5-T AND 2,4-D. The research done on the chemicals has been controlled by the chemical manufacturers. I was told to mix these all together at one time. The only one I was to mix by itself was the Vantage, which contains Naphthalene as an inert. The reasoning behind using the chemicals, is to save money by not mowing as often. On the interstate, I was in charge of maintaining the wildflower plots. In our spray manual, it states not to spray if winds are over 7 miles per hour. My spray boom is on the front bumper and the boom was raised to where I used wipers to see where I was going. I would go on the interstate, park safely, and monitor the wind when diesels go by, which is all the time.
I have been ill for 8-9 months. They would not even consider that my health problems could be associated with any of these herbicides. When it was discovered that I was also exposed also to acephate, an organophosphate pesticide, they said this can explain the illness to an extent. I am here to say that the other herbicides that were not considered to cause long term illness, do cause long term illness. I have been living this hell for awhile. We started spraying during the wild turkey nesting season, and they build their nests next to right-of-ways. The spray extends to their nests. I told them was afraid this would hurt the eggs and birds, and was informed these chemicals would not harm. If the fact that it puts wild turkeys in harm's way, is recognized, it may help put a stop to this practice faster than it causing harm to people. Sad but true........There has been no research on the effects of the turkeys. I hope that it will take the interest of wildlife research to look into the matter.
I know many horror stories from how to get your applicator license to how the state operates their spray programs that would make your head spin. Pesticide Regulation has done an investigation, and was only able to come up with falsified herbicide application records. This is a violation of 46-13-90 (h) section of the state pesticide control act. I have now pointed out several other infractions to the Pesticide Regulation office. If they do not stop certain practices, it can determine health effects of future applicators.
I have been on Workers Compensation since August 2002. As of this date, they continue to pay me weekly, but refuse to pay ANY medical bills. I need detox to flush these chemicals out of my body.