By:  Theodore Parchment

Summer is here, and the residents of Okanogan County are soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors. However, with the warm weather comes an unexpected concern for those living near Gebber Farms: the potential hazards of pesticide residue from various spraying methods, including aerial and ground-based applications. In this lighthearted follow-up to Theodore Parchment’s piece on “El Poda,” we delve into the summer struggles faced by locals and the possible impact of pesticide overspray on their seasonal fun.

Imagine this: You’ve just spent hours meticulously washing and waxing your car, only to wake up the next morning to find a thin, white film covering your once-gleaming vehicle. What could this mysterious substance be? The answer, dear readers, lies in the various pesticide spraying methods employed by Gebber Farms. The fine mist of pesticides, designed to protect their cherry trees, has drifted onto your precious automobile and, in the process, given it an unrequested makeover.

But worry not, for this makeover comes with a unique benefit. Some residents have reported that this fine layer of pesticide residue actually serves as a makeshift UV-blocking sunscreen for their cars. Who would have thought that living near Gebber Farms could be so advantageous to your car’s paint job?

However, the impact of pesticide residue doesn’t stop at automobiles. Summertime tanning enthusiasts have voiced their concerns about the potential interference of these particles with their quest for the perfect tan. “Does this pesticide fog block UV rays?” asked one tanning aficionado. “Am I getting a base tan, or is this just a pesticide-infused bronzing solution?”

In addition to the peculiar effects on cars and suntans, residents have raised more serious concerns about the potential dangers of pesticide residue and other chemicals used by Gebber Farms. Home gardeners have noticed that the drifting mist occasionally settles on their carefully tended plants. One concerned gardener shared, “I was about to enjoy a freshly picked snap pea from my garden, but then I noticed the same white film on it that I found on my car. Now I’m worried about the safety of the produce I grow myself. What are we really putting in our bodies when we eat these veggies?”

Pet owners are also voicing their worries about the potential harm to their beloved furry companions. With dogs and cats spending more time outdoors in the summer, there’s a legitimate concern that they may come into contact with the drifting pesticide residue. One dog owner lamented, “I used to let Fido run around and play in the yard without a care in the world. Now, I’m constantly worried about whether he’s rolling in pesticide-laced grass or tracking it into our home.”

Lastly, the potential dangers of these chemicals don’t stop at gardens and pets. The risk of pesticide contamination in local water supplies is an alarming prospect for Okanogan County residents. With the chemicals seeping into the soil, there’s a high probability that they have already made their way into groundwater or nearby bodies of water, posing a significant threat to both human and wildlife health. The long-term exposure to these chemicals may lead to serious health issues, including cancer and reproductive health problems.

In the midst of these concerns, El Poda has some advice for Okanogan County residents. He revealed that when applying pesticides at Gebber Farms, he always wears an N95 mask and a Tyvek suit for protection. “Cuando trabajo con los tractores y las máquinas de aplicación de pesticidas, siempre uso una máscara N95 y un traje Tyvek para protegerme,” said El Poda. (“When I work with the tractors and pesticide application machines, I always wear an N95 mask and a Tyvek suit to protect myself.”) He recommends that residents also consider wearing disposable suits and N95 masks when outdoors during spraying season.

Moreover, El Poda suggests using simple and affordable filtering methods for drinking water sourced from wells, such as cheap charcoal filters or LifeStraw filters. “Muchos de nosotros filtramos el agua de los pozos en nuestras casas utilizando filtros de carbón económicos o LifeStraw. No es difícil y puede marcar la diferencia en nuestra salud,” he explained. (“Many of us filter well water in our homes using cheap charcoal filters or LifeStraw. It’s not difficult, and it can make a difference in our health.”)

While we can’t confirm the efficacy of pesticide residue as a tanning aid, we can say that the image of sunbathers slathering themselves in cherry tree pesticide is a comical one. So, while the residents of Okanogan County continue their summertime pursuits, they can at least laugh at the absurdity of their circumstances.

And for those seeking a more serious perspective, we remind you that the original article by Theodore Parchment remains available for your reading pleasure. As always, stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy your summer, Okanogan County residents! 

 

From the Editor:

If you have concerns regarding the issues discussed in this article, we encourage you to reach out to the appropriate authorities. Start by contacting your county health office or local commissioners. If you still have concerns, consider reaching out to the state.

Drift: Pesticide spray drift is the movement of pesticide dust and droplets through air from an area of application to any unintended site. Accidental exposure to pesticide drift can occur, particularly for people living, working, or going to school in agricultural communities. Report suspected pesticide drifts from agricultural applications to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-877-301-4555.

For further assistance, here are some relevant contact details:

Okanogan County Public Health:
Website: https://okanogancounty.org/government/public_health/index.php
Address: 1234 South 2nd Avenue, Okanogan, WA 98840
Phone: (509) 422-7140

Okanogan County Commissioners:
Address: 123 5th Avenue North, Room 150
Phone: 509-422-7100

Chris Branch, Chairman of the Board
Email: cbranch@co.okanogan.wa.us
Phone: 509-322-0735

Andy Hover, Vice-Chairman of the Board
Email: andy.hover@co.okanogan.wa.us
Phone: 509-669-1606

Jon Neal, Member of the Board
Email: jneal@co.okanogan.wa.us
Phone: 509-740-9181

Lanie Johns, Clerk of the Board
Email: ljohns@co.okanogan.wa.us
Phone: 509-422-7100