the industry nicknamed it "Mel" cute, right?

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has proposed to register methyl iodide -- a chemical used mostly in strawberry crops. Virtually all scientists believe the chemical to be in a word: deadly. Laboratory animals exposed to methyl iodide have developed cancer, neurological damage and birth defects.

The State Senate Food and Agriculture Committee is "looking into" the DPR's proposal. Once the approval is given, it is not subject to appeal. The company manufacturing the chemical expects their product to be approved and used on California strawberry crops next April.

The director of DPR has admitted the "material is highly toxic and we need to respect it."

Most farmers currently use methyl bromide, which is destined to be banned by federal regulators by 2015.

There may or may not be a way to stop the "okaying" of this chemical.

Drop an email to your state representatives, senators or to the Governor.

Check here to see who your state representatives are.

Click here to send the Governor an email.

Here is some proposed language to use in your email via Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Don't forget to include your full name and address at the end of the email.

I am emailing you to ask [Assemblymember/ Senator X] to ensure that methyl iodide is not registered for agricultural use in California. .

As a resident of California who lives among agricultural fields, I am extremely concerned about the health and environmental effects of this toxic chemical and believe it is the responsibility of the Senate and DPR to protect me and my family from such poisonous substances. Although I support the decision to phase out methyl bromide, I don’t think replacing one dangerous chemical with another upholds this responsibility in any way, especially when alternatives exist. From farms like Swanton Berry to strawberry giants like Driscoll, farmers know how to grow strawberries and other fruits and vegetables without toxic fumigants.

I am so concerned about methyl iodide because:

» Methyl Iodide is a known carcinogen, a thyroid disrupter, a neurotoxin and may cause miscarriages.

» It is used in laboratories to create cancer cells for scientific research.

» Methyl Iodide will contaminate our groundwater.