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to these harmful chemicals.

Parana, is a main agricultural region in Brazil, the use of pesticides in this area has been documented, and in 1989 up to 19,000 tons of pesticides were used, and that number has increased annually.
Chemicals such as Tordon, a pesticide made by Dow Elanco, formally Dow Chemical Co. is a supplier to Brazil.
Environmental assessments have found high concentrations of pesticides in drinking water and in fish.

Folidil or (methyl parathion) manufactured by Bayer Co. was banned for use in the U.S.A. and other countries due to environmental and health effects. Brazil uses this pesticide; it is authorized for use not only on coffee but also, cereal grains, fruits, beans, sugar cane and many other crops.
Brazil is one of the largest users of pesticides worldwide, with little concern for the safety of its farm laborers.
Laborers are usually illiterate and cannot read the labels on the chemical containers. The containers are sometimes re-used for storing drinking water, and the equipment they use to apply the pesticides are out-dated and many are hand held devices. They do not wear protective gloves or masks, and wear the same clothing sometimes for days without washing. Those who have complained of sickness or burning skin and rashes are quickly fired and replaced. Many farm laborers will not complain to their employers for fear of being fired. There is no one to speak on their behalf and a lack of enforcement of health regulations, and regulatory authorities.

This makes Brazil an attractive market for exporters of pesticides banned by the E.P.A. for use in most G8 countries. It has become big business, 29 billion dollars in 2005 has been reported.
The residual effects of pesticides on the coffee bean means that we are subject to its effects; our exposure is not as direct as the plantation workers exposure is.
The F.D.A. does spot checks and it is estimated that 10% of food (that includes coffee) is contaminated with illegal, banned pesticide residue.
The percentage is probably quite higher than this estimate because not all food commodities are inspected.
Multinational companies defend their right to trade in banned chemicals with developing countries. They claim that these countries have a right to determine their own import export trade policies, they are competent and responsible trade partners.
The E.P.A. states in a registered document,"Methyl Parathion causes poisonings among all categories of workers who use and or come into direct contact

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