 By Dianne O'Connell October 28, 2005
The Alaska Nurses Association (AaNA), at its 2005 General Assembly October 2 in Fairbanks, went on record as opposing aerial or large scale application of pesticides and/or herbicides, except in those cases affecting the public health. The AaNA for more than 50 years has advocated for the health of all Alaskans and has participated in campaigns designed to promote public awareness of public health issues. We understand that Klukwan, Inc. is seeking a permit to use helicopters to spray 2,000 acres with pesticides to kill salmonberry and alder in southern Southeast Alaska. Studies of the effects of at least two of the chemicals being considered for use in this endeavor confirm the potential for a variety of health effects, including an association with certain forms of cancer as well as disruption of the hormones involved in reproduction. In other words, many pesticides and herbicides are toxic to humans and the environment, and in using such chemicals on a large scale basis, we should error on the side of caution. Thank you. Dianne O'Connell, M.Div.
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