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Chemicals 2,4-D: Herbicide Info

By Sukie Wachtendonk

Over the past eight years, I have been the Agent Orange Outreach Coordinator for the Madison, WI chapter of VVAW. One of the many duties and responsibilities of that position has been the collection and distribution of appropriate parties of data and test studies dealing with health effects of toxic exposure. Over the years I've traveled extensively, testifying at hearings on the local, state and federal level. I have spoken and corresponded with scientist worldwide doing independent research on humans exposed to pesticides and herbicides. I have participated in enacting legislation to help protect my family and friends form re-exposure to toxic chemicals.

I wish to share with you some of the new information available to date, as well as organizations and publications out there which are working on the same issues. Please write to them, use the information as a tool in your area to fight for regulation of pesticides and herbicides. There is help!

First, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, quarterly publishes a Journal of Pesticide Reform which includes excellent articles, references and suggestions on how to protect yourselves from re-exposure. These people (some of whom are vets) have their shit together and are kicking ass from the Northwest to DC. You can do it too, with their help. You can subscribe to the Journal ($12/year) by writing to them at P.O. Box 1393, Eugene, OR, 97440, or calling (503) 344-5044. The latest issue is devoted to children and toxic chemicals and explains, in lay terms, why we are seeing the myriad of health problems in our kids, and how to deal with them. It includes the latest studies on Love Canal children and health effects, an article on "Parenting Chemically Sensitive Children," and "The Immune System and Pesticides."

NCAP also offers various packets, for nominal fees, which are extremely useful. "Planning for Non-Chemical School Grounds," Toolkits, and the new Physician's Pesticide Info Packet, which includes data to aid you in educating your physician to understand, diagnose, document and treat pesticide and herbicide exposure problems. They are a non-profit organization that deserves your input and support. All donations are tax deductible, and the organization is very interested in helping and supporting vets. What they do helps us—Use their Services.

There is also a new study by the National Cancer Research Institute, linking a six-fold increase in lymphoma in Kansas farmers to direct exposure to 2, 4-D. This study is available from Sheila Hoar, MD, National Cancer Research Institute, Landow Bldg. 4016, 900 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.

The Society for Clinical Ecology, and Del Stigler, MD, now has a directory available of physicians throughout the U.S. specializing in treatment of toxic exposure. To obtain it, and info on an ecological physician near you, write to Dr. Stigler at Suite 409, 2005 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80205.

Since 1984 when the Management Committee settled the Agent Orange Class Action Suit out of court, many vets and family members were disgusted, discouraged and burned out on the whole issue, myself included. Many of us stopped working and faded into the woodwork feeling once again betrayed. Veteran Activism, particularly Agent Orange, is very hard work; we all know that it takes up all your time, all your money and your sanity. All seemed lost.

However, as the years go on, the evidence mounts against the chemical companies. More people, domestically, are becoming ill from their products—farmers, their own plant workers, chemical applicators, and chemical users. Studies are being publishes daily on the harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides. For of the labs doing safety studies on these chemicals—prior to registering them with the EPA—have been cited for the manipulation of test data. Several luminaries in the industry have been heavily fined and are serving hard time in federal prison for poisoning us and others.

The GAO report shows that the EPA cannot protect anyone from hazardous chemicals and never did. The EPA cannot say pesticides and herbicides are safe. They are not. They have not been properly tested—and won't be—until the 21st century!

Congress is finally working on pesticides reform and is realizing the extent of the damage to us all. Our chosen attorney, Victor Yannacone has filed a new motion, based on new studies, to gain justice for vets and families affect by Agent Orange in the way it should have been done in the first place. More Americans are aware and supportive thanks to our years of work.

I urge all of you out there to keep trying, keep working, keep fighting—what other choice do we have? Our children's futures depend on our activism. I know it's difficult—it's a bitch. But don't give up!

Sukie Wachtendonk, Madison VVAW