COM 0314.009 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BENJAMIN J. CAYETANO WWRN Patricia Bailey, M.D. P. O. Box 2438 Kealakekua, HI 96750 Dear Dr. Bailey: STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH R. O. BOX 916 HILO, HAWAII %721-0916 April 4, 1997 KAMUELA HILO KONA HONOLULU V FAX4•Sg7 MAUI KAUAI OCEA LAND MGMT. ST. PKS. DOFAW AQUATICS PROSECUTOR PROBATION LAWRENCE MIKE Dner Rp{ryLAe LTM With regard to the concerns you raised last year about the spraying of herbicides on Big Island marijuana plants, I have received further information that I believe will help answer your questions about the health effects of the defoliant spraying on the local population. In October 1996, the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) in Atlanta, Georgia were all asked to assist in evaluating the potential threat to public health resulting from Big Island herbicide spraying by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. An on-site defoliant spray application demonstration was observed by the Department of Health toxicologist. The toxicologist gave a detailed description of the application and his observations of the demonstration. Based on the specific "pin point" accuracy of the application technique, the 1,000 foot buffer zone between the spray sites and residences, and the low toxicity of Glyphosate, both the ATSDR's Regional office and Emergency Consultation Section concurred that this spraying event is unlikely to result in human exposure or to have any negative health effects. The spray demonstration was video-taped, and you are invited to view the video at anytime. Please let me know if you are interested, and I will make the necessary arrangements. Thank you for sharing your concerns so we can follow up on them with the Department of Health and Human Services. Sincerely, June T. Kunimoto District Health Administrator be: Bruce Anderson, EHM / Lenny Terlep, DLNR V