Joanne R. Pompano
Teachers and other professionals were concerned about the clusters of visually impaired children in the rural areas of England, Scotland, and South Wales. (64) Other problems were reported in New Zealand, and Australia. Benlate and other environmental and genetic causes are being investigated as the possible cause of these problems. One chemical, Benlate, is a prime suspect. (65)
The following problems occurred:
1. In 1993, in a 40-mile radius of North Lincoinshire, England, nine children were born with eye abnormalities.
2. In Fife, Scotland, 27 children were born between 1981 and 1993 with micro or anophthalmia. In these cases, 5 of the cases, the condition was found to be genetic. The reminder was 22 cases are left unexplained. Benomyl and similar fungicides were used ten times as much in Fife compared to other areas of Scotland. (66)
3. In England and Scotland parents who believe their children had similar birth defects filed a class-action lawsuit against Dupont, believing their children have been born with eye defects because Benlate, a controversial product manufactured by this company. (67)
4. In New Zealand, concern was widespread after news reports of birth defects in children born to three women employed by a parks department who used horticultural sprays containing benomin. One child was born with a cleft palate and no eyes. (68)
5. In New Zealand several cities banned the pesticide after learning that three children were born with birth defects to mothers who were exposed to Benlate. (69)
