Fidelia Morales sit's in the family living room below the pictures of...READ ON
Fidelia Morales sit's in the family living room below the pictures of her 5 childern. The mother of five moved to the area about 12 years ago, and quickly became concerned about pesticides drifting onto her property. “But I did not really know how dangerous the chemicals were.” She eventually learned of the troubling science. Photographed on assignment for The Guardian
Fidelia Morales hugging her son Junior in their backyard that is surrounded...READ ON
Fidelia Morales hugging her son Junior in their backyard that is surrounded by orange tress on all sides. c hlorpyrifos is a neurotoxic pesticide widely used in U.S. agriculture to kill agricultural pests. It is associated with neurodevelopmental harms in children. In October 2019, the state announced that under an enforceable agreement with manufacturers, all sales of chlorpyrifos to California growers would end by Feb. 6, 2020,
Fidelia Morales is a mother of five who lives in Lindsay, California, near...READ ON
Fidelia Morales is a mother of five who lives in Lindsay, California, near citrus groves where chlorpyrifos use is common. Morales, who lives next to citrus groves where chlorpyrifos use is common, said pesticide exposure has hurt her family, especially her 11-year-old son: “My son is not able to stay still and listen in school. I’ve had to sit with him in the classroom to help with his assignments.”
The Morales family playset sits right next to the orange tree and residue of...READ ON
The Morales family playset sits right next to the orange tree and residue of chlorpyrifos has been found on it. In California, where Latinx schoolchildren have been disproportionately exposed to heavy pesticide use, growers have continued to apply nearly a million pounds of chlorpyrifos each year
Farm workers, picking orange in near by fields.
Checking on the quality of the oranges, that are part of the large industry...READ ON
Checking on the quality of the oranges, that are part of the large industry providing food for the US markets.
Farm workers, picking orange in near by fields.
A look over Exeter in the Central Valley, with endless fields of oranges,...READ ON
A look over Exeter in the Central Valley, with endless fields of oranges, California produces 80 percent of the nation's fresh oranges. Chlorpyrifos, introduced in 1965, is very effective at treating pest infestations, but can have serious consequences for unintended targets. The neurotoxic chemical was found to be harmful enough to humans that the US government banned it from residential use in 2000. But its widespread usage in the agricultural industry continued in California , where a majority of America’s fruits and nuts are grown and where regulators have long defended its safety.
The family alter, with family pictures and trophies.
Sunset of the central valley.
Mette Lampcov Photography
Mette Lampcov is a freelance documentary photographer from Denmark, and is currently based in the greater Los Angeles area.