State investigates human pesticide exposure
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TRIANGLE LAKE, Ore. - Some residents are calling it an environmental horror story, and on Thursday they got the chance to voice their concerns to the state and federal governments.
Nearly 150 people packed the Grange Hall in Triangle Lake on Thursday night after more than 20 residents say their urine tested positive for dangerous pesticides.
In response to years of complaints, state and federal agencies held the meeting to lay out a plan for investigating any possible pesticide exposure.
The meeting brings a clash of cultures.
Environmentalists say they're being assaulted by aerial pesticide spraying.
"One hundred percent of us tested positive for the two most dangerous timber industry pesticides in our urine, and we're not happy about it," said Dale Day.
State officials aren't jumping to any quick conclusions.
"One hundred percent of us tested positive for the two most dangerous timber industry pesticides in our urine, and we're not happy about it," said Dale Day.
"This is called an exposure investigation, so it's designed specifically from a human health perspective to answer whether or not people are being exposed to pesticides," said Jae Douglas with the Oregon Health Authority.
The investigation will begin this summer.
Timber and forest industry officials told KVAL News they have not been able to see the data which allegedly shows that people were sickened by pesticides.
