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EPA Launches Pesticide Safety Campaign on Hispanic Radio Network

Release Date: 06/21/2004
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(#04092) New York, N.Y. -- A new Spanish language educational public service campaign will be launched today on the Hispanic Radio Network (HRN) to highlight steps individuals may take to protect themselves from exposure to pesticides at home and at work. The series will air on Hispanic Radio Network's environmental program "Planeta Azul" ("Blue Planet"), running daily June 21 through June 29. "Planeta Azul" is a regular feature that informs listeners about how they can preserve their natural environment, protect themselves from contamination and teach their families the value of a clean and healthy environment. The spots will be broadcast in New York on WADO-AM 1280 (New York City) and WBUG-AM 1570 (Amsterdam). EPA is developing useful information in both English and Spanish as part of a broader effort to promote awareness of the safe use and handling of pesticides. HRN's campaign will help Spanish-speaking people understand how to safely use pesticides. The campaign will also highlight simple steps that may be taken to reduce pesticide use around the home and help people avoid unnecessary and potentially dangerous exposure to chemicals. Hispanics make up 84 percent of the farm workers in the United States. Farm workers may be exposed to pesticides on the job, and their families may experience second-hand exposure to pesticides because traces of the chemicals may be "tracked-in" from the field. The majority of pesticide products contain labels written in English only; in these cases, people who primarily speak and write in Spanish may not understand or follow usage and safety directions. In addition, people living in multi-family housing in urban environments, including many Hispanics, may be exposed to pesticides because of pest control measures for common urban pests such as cockroaches and campaign will help increase Hispanic awareness of these important issues. To find a Hispanic Radio Network affiliate near your community, see:http://www.hispanicradio.com.