In March of 1996 I took a position with the Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries, Wildlife
and Environmental Law Enforcement. Shortly after starting I was informed that we
were going to be using a chemical herbicide to control unwanted
vegetation in field areas that are stocked with game for hunting. I was given a two to
three minute period of instruction in the "safe" use of the material, which
essentially was to be sure to wash prior to eating, and no other
restrictions. We were using old Fantastik spray bottles as applicators for the
material, and the issue of protective clothing etc. was never addressed.
At the time I was totally unfamiliar with the chemical
names as listed on the MSDS.
Again the Division Safety Officer assured me that this was similar to what you might use around your own
home. Sadly nothing could have been further from the truth.
The primary ingredients were 2,4-D and Picloram with a
number of "inert ingredients".
This formulation as I have since come to realize was used
in Viet Nam under the code name
Agent White or Tourdon101. After using this material for approximately one year I became aware
of the actual regulations regarding this materials use in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. This material is a restricted use product that requires
commercial applicators license to use and the facility possessing the
material was also required to be licensed to posses a restricted use product.
Neither of these requirements was met. As a result of the use I now suffer a
variety of medical problems including a cardiac abnormality, right-sided
paralysis of the whole body, various visual problems, skin eruptions with skin loss
to the hands and feet, gastrointestinal problems, a vocal
chord lesion, and sinus problems. In a ten year period from approximately 1990 to
present this material was used by four other employees who also developed
multiple heath effects. At this point I am fighting the state for compensation,
but this has been extremely slow in coming if in fact it ever will and as a
result I not only have to deal with the physical loss but also am facing
financial ruin as a result of the underhanded tactics of this state.
Massachusetts is a self-regulating, self-investigating, self insuring state
so I'm sure you can imagine the difficulty in dealing with them.
Sincerely,
Douglas
J. Sowle
DiveInstr77@aol.com
