A one acre chile farm near the city of Sanger is the first in California to use methyl iodide, a pesticide said to cause cancer by state experts.
Environmentalists opposed to methyl iodide are disappointed the pesticide is now being used, saying farm workers and surrounding communities could suffer grave health issues.
Fresno County's Ag Commissioner says many farmers in the area are hesitant, but they are interested in using the highly scrutinized product.
Restrictions include a 200 foot buffer zone, and tarping the ground for fourteen days after treatment.
Workers must also stay away from the treated site for 48 hours and there can be no more than ten homes within a-half mile of where the pesticide is used.
