“El Moscas” y Los Pesticidas Teaches Important Lesson About Pesticide Hazards
Written by admin, Jan 30, 2013, 0 Comments
Courtesy Veronica Cantu,
(Laredo, Tx)-According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are over 3 million migrant and seasonal farm workers in the United States . And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is these individuals who are most likely to suffer from a chemically-related illness more so than any other occupational group.
It is for these reasons and more, the United Independent School District , together with Migrants in Action, and EPA decided to host a safety awareness play for students and their families that are a part of this large group. Called“El Moscas” y Los Pesticidas, the play was written by Nephtali De Leon, a poet, writer, and muralist, who himself was a migrant worker. The play not only focuses on the safety awareness regarding pesticides but also warns families of the “take-home” risks they could encounter if they do not take the extra precautions. Some of these precautions include hand washing, washing work clothes before wearing them again, not cooking with wood found in the field, and others.
A special thanks to the very hard working “El Moscas” y Los Pesticidas cast members which included students from United South and Lyndon B. Johnson High Schools , as well as, Zaffirini Elementary School , who were under the direction of Brenda Joy Llano.
For more information on“El Moscas” y Los Pesticidas go to: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/beyondtranslation/2009/elmoscas.html or call the UISD Migrant Coordinator Veronica Burgoa at (956) 473-6472.
