After 35 years, Solís government promises help for workers affected by toxic pesticide

October 8^th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) After 35 years, help may be on the way for those still living with the effects of the pesticide Nemagon, a cancer-causing pesticide formerly used on banana plantations throughout the country, though details on what that may entail are scarce.

Labor Minister, Victor Morales along with representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Joint Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), and the National Insurance Institute (INS) met this week with the stated goal of finding solutions to address the ongoing problems which have affected the workers’ lives who were exposed to the toxic substance daily for years.

“This is really a historic debt.  This administration is determined to finally resolve the situation facing these families,” Morales told reporters.

Nemagon, a pesticide that was commonly used on banana plantations in the country, causes a number of diseases, most commonly sterility in men.

Nemagon was banned in the United States in 1979 after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined the pesticide was a carcinogen and caused sterility in male mammals, including humans.

The pesticide is also known to contaminate groundwater, even years after its use is discontinued.  Human exposure comes as a result of inhalation, skin contact, or from contaminated drinking water.

Besides causing sterility, Nemagon, also known as DBCP, has been determined to be one of the most powerful cancer-inducing agents, even in low doses.

In Nicaragua, where DBCP use has also been widespread, 67% of male banana workers are sterile, while 33% of female banana workers have uterus or breast cancer.  Other workers suffer from cancer of the testicles, stomach, and kidneys.

In April, a group of affected workers blocked Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly, demanding the reading of Bill 18.802, which aims to provide to direct compensation for affected workers.  After the Assembly failed to read the bill, the group was dispersed by police and security forces after about an hour.

Other complaints include medical examinations performed by INS, which workers’ representatives describe as “inhuman.”  The tests are apparently to determine sterility in order to qualify affected workers for aid.