MisInformed Father Condemns makers of Cancer Drug / Pesticides for Saving his CHILD | Letter: Pesticide conflict | The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published May 12 2013 05:13 pm • Updated 7 hours ago

I thank Dr. Brian Moench for "Spray at your own risk" (Opinion, May 5). In addition to sound advice, he exposed "corruption" in the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Charged with protecting the public, UDAF’s pesticide program manager Clark Burgess sits on the board of the Utah Pest Control and Lawncare Association, the very industry he regulates!

I can’t trust that Burgess is looking out for the public’s interest and not his association pals. Which master does he serve?

In November, the American Academy of Pediatrics released the report "Pesticide Exposure in Children," which outlines the effects of pesticide exposure in children, including pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function and behavioral problems. The report charts our collective shortfalls, including medical training, public health tracking and regulatory action.

As the father of a pediatric cancer survivor, and a once-permanent fixture in the oncology unit at Primary Children’s Hospital, I don’t take this lightly.

The UDAF needs to start protecting our children and us. Fire Burgess!

Vagn Jensen

Murray