BusinessWorld'

Billseeks to raise
safeguards against
pesticide poisoning
LEGISLAToRS have fled a billrequiring landowners to
test for safe levels of pesticide before allowing farm
workers to work on their sites.
Representatives Horacio P Suansing Jr. and EstreF
litaB, Suansinqliled House Bill1088, which if passed
willbe(ome the Farm Workers' Protection Art in order
to frotect agricultural workers from the dangers of
pesticides.
"ln recentyeaIs, pesticide poisoning has become
a more prevalent internation-ll publ(tealth issue,
with an estimated 2O0,0OO people dying each year
worldwide becaus€ of intentional, accidental, and
occupational exposure to pesticides," according t0 the
bill's explanatory note,
According to the biil, farm owners willbe required
to t€st for pesticide levels a week before the workers
arrive on site.
The billalso requiresthem tosupply personal
protection equipment to be worn during work.on-site
washing facilitiesfor clothing and showersfor workers
should also be provided.
The measure also requires housinq for farm work-
ers to be located at least 50 feet away from any sites
treated with pesticides.
The billcallsforfines of P100,000 for violations. -
Vin(e Angelo C. F€llelas

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