Advocating for Hawai'i Countertop Workers with Silicosis

The link between pesticide use and increased rates of cancer is well-documented, with several studies noting that rural communities are especially hard hit by this health crisis. According to a recent study in the journal “Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society,” people who live in agricultural communities in the U.S. where pesticides are used on farms—but who don’t farm themselves—face the same increased cancer risk as people who smoke. These findings are echoed in another recent study in which researchers conducted a county-by-county analysis of cancer rates and pesticide use in Missouri. The study found that the four counties with the highest use of pesticides per square mile rank in the top 15 for overall cancer rates in Missouri. Further, the study noted that the counties with the highest rates of cancer are rural.

Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, is a common sight in gardens, farms, and public spaces across Hawai‘i and beyond. So many people wonder: Is Roundup safe? Is Roundup Safe?  Roundup’s primary ingredient, glyphosate, has been the subject of growing concern and numerous high-profile lawsuits. For decades, many have questioned the safety of Roundup. Its manufacturer, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), has consistently argued that the product is harmless when used as directed. However, a growing body of scientific evidence and a series of court verdicts suggest a different story.

The number of children with serious and often fatal diseases has increased significantly over the past 50 years, with scientists and researchers warning that the negative effects of pesticides and exposure to synthetic chemicals is fueling a growing health crisis. Now, a coalition of 25 leading scientists and legal experts are calling for sweeping changes in chemical regulations. Their report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found dramatic increases in serious childhood illnesses—trends they attribute to widespread chemical exposures and the negative effects of pesticides. “We think that there needs to be a fundamental restructuring of chemical law in this country to prioritize the protection of children's health,” the experts said in their report. “And what that means in practical terms is that any new chemical that a manufacturer wants to bring to market has to be tested for toxicity before it's brought to market and shown to not cause harm at the anticipated levels of exposure.”

A May 2025 report from the presidential Make America Healthy Again commission has renewed national attention on the health risks of pesticide exposure. The commission singled out two of the most widely used weed killers in the U.S. — glyphosate and atrazine — as possible contributors to chronic illnesses among American children. According to the report, exposure to these pesticides may be linked to rising rates of asthma, obesity, autoimmune disorders, neurodevelopmental issues and certain cancers. While the commission stopped short of recommending a ban, it called for more research, stricter application practices and improved public awareness. “American farmers rely on these products,” the report states. “Actions that further regulate or restrict crop protection tools beyond risk-based and scientific processes set forth by Congress must involve thoughtful consideration of what is necessary for adequate protection, alternatives and cost of production.”

A new Netflix show is shining a light on the devastating consequences that toxic waste mismanagement can have on communities. Toxic Town is a drama based on one of the biggest environmental scandals in the United Kingdom, in which a community’s exposure to toxic waste led to birth defects such as missing fingers, shortened limbs and other life-changing disabilities. About the Corby Case In the 1930s, a steel company was established in the town of Corby in the United Kingdom, turning the small town into a major steelmaking center. By the 1960s, Corby had become one of the most heavily industrialized areas in central England. During the operation of the steel plant, a huge quantity of toxic waste was deposited at the site.

The waters in and around Hawai‘i may look picture-perfect to the naked eye, but potentially dangerous herbicides and pesticides are lurking beneath that beauty. A recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study found widespread pesticide contamination in many streams, ponds, and canals. Between 2015 and 2019, researchers tested 78 sites near agricultural or developed land and found pesticide pollution on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawai‘i. Even ocean water near the shoreline, where locals and tourists swim, revealed traces of pesticides and other chemicals. Herbicides and Pesticides in Paradise The government survey detected 117 different herbicides and pesticides in the water. Thirty of them, including herbicides like atrazine, insecticides such as fipronil, and fungicides like azoxystrobin, were recorded at numerous locations. Survey findings included: 86% of samples contained a mix of two or more pesticides Several storm samples exceeded federal aquatic-life safety benchmarks In at least one sample, atrazine exceeded federal drinking water standards Even at low concentrations, repeated or long-term exposure to this chemical mixture poses serious risks, especially when people live, work, or raise children near contaminated water.

Maui County officials are considering rolling back a ban on pesticides and herbicides in public parks and golf courses. This move comes only three years after the County Council voted unanimously to ban harmful chemical pesticides and herbicides from public land after hearing public testimony and research on the dangers of these chemicals to people, land, and water. The Parks Department is seeking an exemption, citing challenges in maintaining these areas to the standard of other competing areas without chemical treatments. They cited feedback from the public, some of whom objected to the smell of some of the organic treatments used.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect more than nine million Americans, and that number is expected to more than double by 2025, according to research by Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. While the cause of NDDs remains unknown, medical experts are increasingly raising alarm about toxic exposure — specifically, exposure to glyphosate. Concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals like glyphosate are playing out in communities around the world. In New Brunswick, Canada, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero watched as his caseload skyrocketed with patients displaying unusual symptoms of neurodegenerative disease, many of whom were under age 45.  

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using its emergency authority to stop the sale of a dangerous pesticide. The EPA has ordered an immediate halt in sales of DCPA, also known as Dacthal, that has been linked to serious health risks to agricultural workers and pregnant women. The Grave Risks of DCPA Studies dating back to the 1990s have confirmed serious health risks associated with exposure to Dacthal, including impaired brain development, low birthweight and other birth defects. Exposure to Dacthal is also a serious risk for farmworkers, particularly those who work with leafy vegetables like kale, as well as broccoli, artichokes, beans and cucumbers. DCPA has been found in alarmingly high concentrations in certain vegetables. A 2019 study found that nearly 60% of kale samples tested by the USDA contained traces of DCPA.

Insects are vital to keeping the world’s ecosystems in balance. Every spring, billions of insects migrate to far-flung locations to fulfill a wide range of critical functions, including performing cross-continental pollination, transferring essential nutrients to soils, decomposing organic matter, and sustaining local wildlife by providing a food source. They also transfer genetic information, allowing plants to maintain a diverse genetic pool, potentially mitigating changes in environmental conditions. To grasp the scale of the annual insect migration, consider this: in just over a month, researchers recorded 39 million insects migrating from the Middle East to Cyprus alone.

When award-winning filmmaker Brian Lilla moved to Napa Valley, California, he quickly learned about the health hazards lurking in wine country. In his new documentary, “Children of the Vine,” Lilla shows how the use of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide and its active ingredient, glyphosate, has affected those who work in and live nearby. “I didn’t want to run away from the problem,” Lilla said in an interview with the nonprofit publication Capital & Main. “No matter where I go, there’s going to be glyphosate in the food. Yes, it blew my mind to find out how much it’s being used in the vineyards. But I want to make it clear that the vineyards are not the villains, nor are farms.”

Widespread use of the popular herbicide Roundup, which contains the known carcinogen glyphosate, is at the center of a series of lawsuits in Hawaiʻi and across the country. New information is coming to light from studies linking the chemical to serious health problems that include cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, infertility and birth defects.

Families in Hawaiʻi are experiencing dramatic increases in certain serious birth defects, including a rare and serious condition that is being diagnosed at a rate 10 times higher than on the mainland. Mothers living near farms where pesticides are used are at particular risk, physicians say. The Hawaiʻi Center for Food Safety found that chemical companies have sprayed restricted-use pesticides at a rate 17 times greater than the mainland average.

News of a wanted pregnancy can be the most wonderful of tidings an expectant couple can get. In most cases, that joy continues throughout the pregnancy. However, some expectant and new parents get news of birth defects, such as spina bifida, that can dampen their joy. Doctors and medical researchers continually work to create treatments that can help minimize the effects of these birth defects and help affected children live long, healthy lives. Recently, doctors performed the first in-utero stem cell treatment to help a fetus diagnosed with spina bifida. What is Spina Bifida? Spina bifida is a condition in which the spinal tube in a fetus doesn't close. It affects about 1 in every 2,750 births in the United States. There are three main types, based on the size of the opening and whether a sac containing fluid, nerves, and/or part of the spinal column grows outside the back. Spina bifida is considered a neural tube defect, and it can cause physical and intellectual disabilities. Health issues can be mild or severe, including paralysis, water on the brain, and incontinence. What Causes Spina Bifida? The exact causes aren't known, but nutrition plays a role. People who are pregnant or...

Pesticides are a key contributor to climate change – posing risks to the environment, public health, and food security – while their effectiveness is declining, according to a recent study. Developed by Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), the study describes a vicious cycle: pesticides add emissions to the air that contribute to climate change, and as temperatures rise, so do the number of pests and insects. More insects encourage agricultural workers to use more pesticides. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that greenhouse gas emissions from pesticides are understudied and underestimated. The Environmental Impact of Pesticides Producing one kilogram of pesticides requires about 10 times more energy than one kilogram of nitrogen fertilizer, an agriculture chemical with known negative environmental impacts. Meanwhile, some pesticides like sulfuryl fluoride are themselves greenhouse gasses – emitting one ton of sulfuryl fluoride is equivalent to emitting nearly 5,000 tons of CO2. According to researchers, the issue is further complicated by oil and gas companies, which profit from pesticides. Ninety-nine percent of synthetic pesticides are derived from petroleum. Higher Demand, Questionable Efficacy As temperatures rise, crops become less resilient due to heat stress, changing rainfall patterns, and more pests. This leads to...

More than 30 million school meals are served each school day to students throughout the United States. But how healthy are these meals? Moms Across America (MAA) recently published information about what’s in the food served to elementary and high school students, showing that these growing children probably aren’t getting what they need to sustain them through a day of school and might even be consuming harmful chemicals. What’s in Public School Meals? In September 2022, MAA, a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring a healthy future for the nation’s children, published the test results of 43 school lunch samples collected by parents and students from public schools in 15 states. 95.3% contained the herbicide glyphosate, a suspected carcinogenic. 74% contained at least one of 29 harmful pesticides. 21% contained four veterinary drugs and hormones at high levels. 100% contained heavy metals at levels up to 6,293 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) maximum levels allowed in drinking water. In addition, most of the school lunch samples were found to be very low in nutrients. The MAA noted: “Without proper nutrients, our children’s brains will not function properly, and their bodies will not be developed as needed. Often...

Today is a special day in history: the birthday of labor activist Dolores Huerta. Huerta, who was born April 10, 1930, grew up with a mother who set a strong example of community activism. After working multiple jobs, Alicia Chávez bought her own restaurant and hotel. She hosted low-paid farmworkers at affordable rates, even waiving their accommodation fees at times. Alicia Chávez also modeled integration as the agricultural community. Where they lived was made up of Mexican, Filipino, African American, Japanese, and Chinese families. Although Huerta studied to become a teacher, she soon left the profession because she was tired of seeing her students, many the children of low-income farm workers, come to school hungry and lacking proper clothing. The Power of Community Organizing After leaving teaching, Huerta worked with the Stockton (Calif.) Community Service Organization and founded the Agricultural Workers Association. She soon met César E. Chávez, and they co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) to help give agricultural workers the power to band together and receive better treatment. The NFWA is currently known as United Farm Workers (UFW). She successfully lobbied legislators to get Aid for Dependent Families and disability insurance protection for farm works in California....

Brian Lilla, an award-winning filmmaker, moved to the Napa Valley wine region to raise his children in a healthy environment. But as he saw Roundup applied vigorously to the vineyards spread throughout the area, he “learned how toxic wine country is.” “I didn’t want to leave Napa because I have children,” Lilla said in an interview with the nonprofit publication Capital & Main. “I didn’t want to run away from the problem. No matter where I go, there’s going to be glyphosate in the food. Yes, it blew my mind to find out how much it’s being used in the vineyards. But I want to make it clear that the vineyards are not the villains, nor are farms.” Lilla’s new film, “Children of the Vine,” explores the role the herbicide Roundup has had on Napa Valley vineyards and the people who work in them and live around them. What Is Roundup? Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is commonly found in herbicides throughout the world. Although Roundup’s maker, Monsanto, insists the product is safe, the World Health Organization concluded in its 2015 report on glyphosate that this key herbicide ingredient is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Lawsuits by farmworkers, groundskeepers, and...

A new pregnancy – or planning for one – can be such an exciting time in a family’s life. And you will want to do whatever you can to ensure your baby will be happy and healthy. The problem is that so much conflicting information can confuse parents-to-be about what really works to protect your baby’s health. Although it is impossible to guarantee that your child won’t be affected by birth defects, these time-tested tips can improve your chances of having a healthy baby.   See Your Doctor Prenatal care is one of the most important actions to take. If you’re still in the planning stages, your doctor can help you manage your health to prepare for pregnancy. Then once you are pregnant, your doctor will monitor your baby’s and your health to ensure both are in good health. If you have any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, your doctor may recommend more screenings or more frequent visits to help ensure healthy development. Your doctor will also typically screen for any sexually transmitted diseases, as these can also cause birth defects and ongoing health problems. Your doctor can also prescribe safe medication to help alleviate pregnancy...

Bringing a new child into the world can be the most exciting event for a family. But that excitement is often short-lived once you hear that your child will be born with a severe birth defect. One particularly devastating condition is holoprosencephaly, or HPE, a brain condition that can cause moderate to severe facial deformities, developmental delays, miscarriage, and early death. Although this birth defect can be genetic, it is often caused by environmental factors, including the use of pesticides before and during pregnancy. When children are born with serious birth defects, such as holoprosencephaly, it can be devastating and costly to the family and for the health care and educational systems as they provide lifelong support to these children. Medical researchers are looking at possible causes of this birth defect so we can help prevent it in the future. They study genetic information and other things that might increase risk, such as chemicals pregnant women might be exposed to. Putting Pregnant Women at Risk A recent study in the journal Environmental Health looked at how pesticides might be linked with HPE. They chose to study pesticides and this particular birth defect because we already know that pesticides have been...