There I was, 6:45 p.m. and within 15 minutes of me getting the chemical drift from a farmer spraying chemical on his field.
I was in my organic, chemical-free garden space, feeling the specialness of that space, where the energy is sublime and healing. I heard the sound of a tractor, thinking it was just another of the many local vehicles travelling on the road that passes by my garden on the south edge of Humboldt city limits. Suddenly, the air in the bush changed with the smell of chemical. I felt panic and quickly went to my car and left.
Feeling violated as I drove down the road, I saw the tractor spraying chemical in the field.
I realized that my garden, the dugout, the trees, birds and I have been exposed to poison, and I have no idea what the effects will be on me or any of this natural environment.
There are no regulations for when these things are done near or in our city. This is serious business. Farmers can spray chemicals at random without warning the public and without providing a list of the chemicals used.
I feel concerned because there was a south wind drifting the chemical into my garden space and towards my residence.
At about 7:30 p.m., the air was still thick with chemical. The area was being contaminated from late afternoon until dark.
Later, I experienced something weird with my right hand baby finger twitching uncontrollably.
My concern is that I don't know what the effects of the chemical could have on me. I do not know who was spraying, but I ask the City of Humboldt to hear my concern for the use of chemical sprays in and around the city.
Please set up guidelines and accountability for this manner of farming and give the public specific information and warning.
I'd suggest that anyone with farmland bordering and within a certain distance of the city of Humboldt have to present their name and register the names of the chemicals and when they will be using them.
Also, there needs to be accountability for the specific timing of the application to ensure that this practice will not interfere with normal, daytime activities of the public.
This information needs to be posted in our local newspaper, the city website, designated public information boards and a reminder broadcasted through local radio and television stations every spring and summer for everyone to be aware. Signs need to be posted on the time and chemical used on the land.
I have been feeling panic because I have no idea what it was that I inhaled.
I have contacted the poison control center and visited the Health Canada website.
Health Canada states, "it is a good practice to reduce or eliminate any unnecessary exposure to pesticides."
Health Canada also states "Municipal Responsibilities... Provincial and territorial governments may also allow cities, towns and municipalities to enact bylaws to set further regulations, including use restrictions, on pesticide use based on local considerations."
The Poison Control Centre cannot help me unless I know the name of the chemical I've been exposed to. There are health issues because of the toxic practices that are going on unregulated. Please consider passing a bylaw to stop the unregulated use in and around the city. People have a love of life, their families, pets, nature, fresh clean air, and we all deserve respect and support for a healthy life.
Cynthia Stumborg
Humboldt, SK
