Announcing
the Canaries
Foundation
 |
The new nonprofit Canaries Foundation, created by Linda and John McElver, advocates for the needs of the chemically sensitive at the local, state, and federal levels.
Current areas of focus include:
1. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) access issues
2. Canary information website and listserv
3. Creation of affordable, non-toxic housing
4. Referrals to understanding health professionals
5. Glassy Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) issues
The state plan to eradicate the glassy winged sharpshooter through the use of pesticides has been a major focus of work in the last few months. Approximately 2500 private properties have been sprayed in California since August. The State of California does not honor the right of refusal to have pesticides sprayed, even if it endangers the health of residents or neighbors. The SLO County Agricultural Commission responded to concerns by creating a Pesticide Sensitive Registry (781-1117). They currently have 80 people signed up, in part due to the efforts of the Central Coast Canaries to inform people of the plan and its risks.
Through a showering of support, Linda McElver was appointed as the non-governmental public health representative on the California State Legislature GWSS Environmental Task Force. She was surprised to find that many environmental groups were recommending use of less toxic pesticides rather than questioning the validity of widespread pesticide spraying. Canaries Foundation advocates NO SPRAY in urban and residential areas. Fortunately, our local environmental group, ECOSLO, is in agreement.
Canaries are presenting Governor Davis and the entire State Legislature with information that clarifies that people who have adverse affects to chemicals are targeted as an acceptable risk in the State GWSS Eradication Plan. What’s more, a chemical cannot be considered safe based on the EPA’s analysis because testing does not factor in the inert ingredients, which may be more toxic than the chemical in question. We are requesting that the State Attorney General investigate the discrimination of this acceptable risk population. We welcome letters of support, medical information, or personal experience in this issue, and signatures for our NO SPRAY petition.
Central Coast Canaries will be having a potluck meeting Sunday January 14, 2000, 1pm-4pm. If you can’t attend the meeting but are concerned about these issues, please call or email for more information. Phone: 805 547-1568 or email: lmcelver@hotmail.com.
With the spirit of volunteerism so often found in our community, together we can make the world a little more accessible and safe for those affected by low level toxic chemicals.
Linda McElver and Selene Anema, RN