PESTICIDES CAN KILL

My name is Bill, and I have an allergy to pesticides. I'm no different than an alcoholic who has an allergy to alcohol. I must give it my best shot (sorry for the pun) to stay clear of pesticides.
I have lived in a country club, close the third hole of the green course since 1993. There are two golf courses in the golfing community where I reside. Prior to moving into Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart, I had never had a respiratory health problem.
My allergist determined that I am susceptible "to all pesticides." Today, I am one of three individuals in Martin County who are on a "sensitivity list." Isn't this pathetic, only three. The rest of the state's statistics are on the same par: Very sparse.
This list is an unknown hush, hush, document that has been around for a number of years without the public being aware of it. I would allege the population in Florida, does not know of its existence.
There are two statutes (law) pertaining to pesticides, 482 and 487. Then there is the question, "Why are golf courses listed as 'agriculture' under Statute 487?"
Why am I on the list you ask? My pet dog "Loompi," a dachshund, being one of the family, passed away at home last Sept. 18, after a long battle with respiratory disease. The radiographic diagnosis was chronic pulmonary fibrosis complicated by intrathoracic fat deposits. The letter from the animal hospital that states this medical condition can be viewed on the Web site I unprofessionally composed: www.voai.org/golf.htm
During Loompi's impending departure, I was seeing an allergist for my breathing problem. After a comprehensive series of tests I was informed that I had asthma, and allergies to all pesticides or class of pesticides.
Before moving to Mariner Sands I never had problems with breathing. After Loompi's death I started doing some investigative digging. Having an inquisitive mind, I searched the Internet, and talked to many professionals for causes that may have brought about our respiratory condition.



A friend, a "Master Gardener," suggested looking into pesticides knowing our home was just about sitting on the third hole of a golf course. From his information there was a possibility that pesticide " drift" could be the source of, and for that matter the cause of BREAST CANCER, all lung diseases, notably those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (cause unknown), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, brain cancer, prostate, lung cancer, COPD, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, not to preclude many other health issues when exposed to golf course and residential chemical applications.
When an individual is listed, his or her name, and the distance from their home is also determined. The list goes out to all companies that do spraying. That person must be warned 24 hours in advance of the spraying.
There are penalties levied on the contractor spraying if statute 482.2267 is not adhered too. Since I became a resident of Mariner Sands, in 1993, I have never been warned or a notice posted when there was spraying of chemicals to be applied.



After being added to the list, I have been receiving "Pesticide Application Notices." A little late for me, but the reader may be fortunate to save themselves a great deal of medical grief by applying to the Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control Division of Agricultural Environmental Services. All information is provided on my site.
Please consider this letter one of education to the deleterious, and hazardous effect pesticides have on humans and animals, that ultimately may save your life or a loved one. You might just pass it on to your neighbor.
Why are golf courses exempt and listed as agriculture under the 487 Statute? Answer: There is a clause whereby the golf clubs are exempt from warning residents of the spraying, and what chemicals are being used. I allege there is a quid pro quo (you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours) throughout Florida. Meaning, golf courses are more important than the resident's health, and the golfing communities will go to any lengths politically to keep the grass green.
A few suggestions for the golfer: Pay attention to early symptoms (memory loss, fatigue, headaches, nausea, dizziness). They are the body's built-in warning signals. Insist that your course's management provide detailed information about what pesticides are used and that signs be posted after spraying.
Wear long pants and socks. Never play in bare feet. Keep the ball away from your mouth. Never lick it. If you have sensitive skin, try not to wipe your face or neck with your hands. Handling the ball with your glove hand also helps. Wash your hands immediately after playing.



Bill M, Stuart FL
Pesticides on golf courses and surrounding areas can kill and cause great harm to residents (also living outside of golfing communities) and golfers. (Please click)

FLORIDA LAW

Section 4. Freedom of speech and press.--Every person may speak, write and publish sentiments on all subjects but shall be responsible for the abuse of that right. No law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions and civil actions for defamation the truth may be given in evidence. If the matter charged as defamatory is true and was published with good motives, the party shall be aquitted or exonerated.

SECTION 26. Claimant's right to fair compensation.--

(a) Article I, Section 26 is created to read "Claimant's right to fair compensation." In any medical liability claim involving a contingency fee, the claimant is entitled to receive no less than 70% of the first $250,000.00 in all damages received by the claimant, exclusive of reasonable and customary costs, whether received by judgment, settlement, or otherwise, and regardless of the number of defendants. The claimant is entitled to 90% of all damages in excess of $250,000.00, exclusive of reasonable and customary costs and regardless of the number of defendants. This provision is self-executing and does not require implementing legislation.

(b) This Amendment shall take effect on the day following approval by the voters.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer

Organic Golf

OUR MISSION

Pesticides: "Cide" in pesticides means "to kill"

Pesticides Can Kill (article in Hub)

Golfing Communities are "The Killing Fields" - A Slow Death

Ie: allergies, COPD, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, not to preclude many other health issues when exposed to golf course/residential chemical applications.
We seek to empower individuals to act as catalysts for change within their own communities, to litigate and legislate as they see fit. Alcoholics (approximately two million are believed to be members of Alcoholics Anonymous at present) have an allergy to alcohol. There are probally as many victims to the chemicals applied to golf courses.



Golf is a wonderful and enjoyable sport. Millions of people get real enjoyment and comradeship from playing with all ages of friends they would never had met prior to picking up a club and hitting a ball. All over the world there are fantastic and beautiful golfing communities and accommodations where the ordinary individual would never experience in a lifetime. Some are lucky enough to live in a golf and country club. Like alcohol there will always be golfing. There are individuals who are allergic to alcohol as others are allergic to strawberries. And yes, there are those allergic to chemicals such as the asthmatic, and all lung diseases, notably those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (cause unknown), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, brain cancer, prostate and lung cancer, COPD, also many more mentioned below. These people must be protected. That is why this site has been developed and will change from time to time. Not to interfere with the golfer who thoroughly enjoys the game, or the analogy of prohibition for alcohol, to stop building golf courses and try and end golfing...but let the suffering individual be alerted to the dangers of the application of chemicals being applied to the greens and surrounding areas, ie: residents who live near a golf course are bombarded by these killer chemicals almost daily and they don't know it. After that being said...let's get on with it!



Pesticides engulf the home and are easily tracked inside, readily inhaled and absorbed through the skin. They do harm by attacking the central nervous system and other essential organs. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning are often deceptively simple, commonly mis-diagnosed as flu or allergies. They include, but are not limited to, headaches, nausea, fever, breathing difficulties, seizures, eye pains, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, sore nose, tongue, or throat; burning skin, rashes, coughing, muscle pain, tissue swelling, blurred vision, numbness and tingling in hands or feet, incontinence, anxiety, irritability, sleep disorders, hyperactivity, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, spontaneous bleeding, and temporary paralysis. Long-term consequences include lowered fertility, birth defects, miscarriages, blindness, liver and kidney dysfunction, neurological damage, heart trouble, stroke, immune system disorders, menstrual problems, memory loss, suicidal depression, cancer, and death.
To be included on the "Sensivity List", please contact Deborah Lewis, Staff Assistant, Pest Control

Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control Division of Agricultural Environmental Services
1203 Governor Square B'lvd, Suit 300
Tallahassee, Florida 3230
850-921-4147
Attn: Deborah Lewis

Please contact the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Agricultural Environmental Services for an "APPLICATION FOR PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS" (Bureau of Entomology & Pest Control)
There are only three people in all of Martin County on the Sensitivity List. Throughout the approximately sixty counties in all of Florida there are one hundred people, plus or minus ten percent. You will not see this Sensitivity List advertised for the benefit of the people. It is a hush, hush item.
Florida's Sensitivity List
Pesticide Lawsuits
MAKE SOME NOISE FLORIDIANS! Contact the powers to be in your communities. As more information is gathered we will inform the public.

For more information: Click http://www.voai.org/golfing.htm