Posted on 19 April 2008, by Anna
Scientists Spotlight Error in Agency Analysis of LBAM spray
APRIL 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dennis Knepp, Ph.D. Jeff Haferman, Ph.D.
831 917-7268
831 277-8965
Scientists Spotlight Error in Agency Analysis of LBAM spray
Monterey, CA, April 16, 2008 Two Monterey area scientists unearthed serious errors in an analysis of the particle size of the Suterra pesticide spray being used to combat the light brown apple moth (LBAM). Dr. Dennis Knepp and Dr. Jeff Haferman recently reviewed particle-size data from Suterra and provided by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CDFA analysis claims that there are relatively few small particles in the Checkmate LBAM spray being used.
In its efforts to exterminate the LBAM, the CDFA aerially sprayed Monterey and Santa Cruz in the fall of 2007. There were over 600 health complaints which the CDFA has dismissed because they claimed that CheckMate consists of large particles and is delivered in small amounts. The Knepp and Haferman analysis proves both these claims to be false.
Knepp and Haferman found that the CDFA made serious errors in their review of the Suterra data. The CDFA states in their analysis that only 1.2% of the particles in the Checkmate spray were smaller than 10 microns, which is a critical size for inhalation to deep within the lungs. They based their computations on particle volume, not number of particles, which is simply incorrect, Haferman stated. Knepp explained that when the analysis is corrected we find the average particle size to be about 17 microns with significant numbers of much smaller particles. The scientists cited research that shows the expected mass concentration of the Checkmate spray could cause an increase in mortality rates by 7 per cent.
Our analysis shows that the small particle sizes from the Checkmate spray can cause significant health issues, and the CDFA needs to seriously reexamine their findings said Knepp.
Knepp has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers in the areas of Geophysics and Electrical Engineering. Haferman has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, and has published over a dozen papers in the fields of Meteorology and Engineering, and also sits on the Monterey City Council.
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Contributed by Will Shonbrun
