City Officials Timid on West Nile Spraying Questions

For immediate release: February 4, 2003.

A coalition of groups concerned with health effects of spraying pesticides invited officials of the City of St. Louis Health Department to explain its policies and plans for Summer 2003. But, two days before the panel, City officials still cannot decide if they will attend. The program will explore the most cost effective and health effective ways to combat West Nile Virus.

In 2002, the City of St. Louis spent almost half a million dollars on a mosquito control program that critics charge is ineffective and endangers human health. At a January 6 meeting with City health officials, Dr. Daniel McKeel, Don Fitz and Robin Barrett raised these concerns. But Health Department Officials Larry Kettelhut, Richard Stevson, and Mark Ritter would not commit to any employee's attending the February 5 to explain the City's reasons for using pesticide sprays. The City would only agree to meet in private discussions.

The coalition of environmental, health and social justice groups have invited all candidates for the Board of Alderman to attend and hear a variety of views on the spraying of pesticides. Sponsors of the forum believe that St. Louis health officials should participate in public discussions of pesticides well in advance of the 2003 mosquito season. But with refusal of City Health Department officials to commit to explaining the City's policies, candidates for the Board may hear only the concerns of citizen activists.

What: "Pesticides in the City of St. Louis"
When: 7-9 pm, Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Where: Genesis House, 6018 Delmar

Sponsors: Gateway Greens, Medical Waste Incineration Group, ACTION Reunion 2003, Universal African Peoples Organization, Glendale Neighborhood Health Watch

Facilitated by Zaki Baruti of the Universal African Peoples Organization, the forum will include the following:

1. Dr. Daniel McKeel, Associate Professor of Pathology at the Washington University School of Medicine, will address health concerns with pesticides (including symptoms of pesticide exposure, long term health effects and populations at high risk);

2. Don Fitz, Gateway Greens' Spokesperson on Toxins, will explain the ineffectiveness of pesticides at controlling mosquito populations (including development of resistance and effects on mosquito predators); and,

3. Robin Barrett, a St. Louis resident who suffers from multiple chemical sensitivity, will describe cities and states which use non-pesticide approaches to controlling mosquitoes.

If the City Health Department makes a last minute decision to participate, its spokespersons will have equal time to explain its policies and plans for 2003. Whether or not City representatives come, the forum will provide information the City can use to explain to citizens why pesticides are being avoided, in the event it decides to adopt this approach. All St. Louis residents are invited to come and express their views on pesticide usage by the City of St. Louis.