French Caribbean poisoned by pesticides

The French Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have been poisoned after years of pesticide use.  Experts say that more than half of its 800,000 residents are contaminated by a chlordecone or kepone which is used as pesticide in banana platations to kill weevils around the country.

Scientists say that the “health disaster” will contribute to residents developing cancer, infertility and birth defects.  Health specialists have warned that chlordecone has poisoned both the land and water.  Chordecone when sprayed can stay in the environment to up to a century, contaminating the entire food chain.

The country which is poor depends on its banana exports to employ 15,000 people.  Some platation owners have found that their soil has become so poisoned they were not allowed to replant.  Although the pesticide itself has no effect on the banana, it can still be absorbed through the skin or while breathing.

After the banana crops were wiped out because of Hurricane Dean, Martinique and Guadeloupe hope to rebuild their plantations with no pesticides. Officials have already stated that they have treated the situation seriously. The government can only hope to find solutions for banana production through organic farming or other sustainable mean

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