The Ministry of Education has finally taken the decision to relocate pupils of the Grazettes Primary School. Why the matter to relocate took several days after the revelation by the ministry of health that several chemicals were mixed including MALATHION is surprising. Further – the fact there has been no hue and cry, although not surprising given the docile DNA of the average Barbadian, is still disappointing.

The Malathion Fact Sheet makes for interesting reading about the organophosphate insecticide MALATHION. Obviously the ministry of health has a job to do to rid the landscape of nettlesome insects. Given the rising prevalence of Chikungunya  and Dengue in Barbados BU is sympathetic to the work the ministry of health has to do. BUT, the ministry has a responsibility to also protect public health.  How dangerous chemicals are used to achieve the intended purpose in environs children have to populate demands a high level of responsibility.

Here is an extract from the Malathion Fact Sheet:

Exposure due to drift and overspray can also be problematic, as is well illustrated by several examples. A homeowner adjacent to a school in Arizona sprayed his garden with malathion. The spray drifted into the school ventilation system and caused nearly 300 elementary school children to be hospitalized with headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulties.(7)

See relevant link: Malathion Fact Sheet posted by Georgie Porgie