Wind borne pesticides put 70 schoolgirls in hospital

BATTICALOA: At least 70 schoolgirls and three of their teachers were hospitalised with breathing problems on Friday following the overspraying of pesticides at a neighbouring farm, doctors said.

The students and teachers from the Vivekananda Girls' school were admitted to Batticaloa hospital with respiratory problems, doctors said. Police said pesticides that were being sprayed on a farm nearby had been carried by the wind to the school compound.

Chemical overuse is not a widespread problem in Sri Lanka although the government restricted access to pesticides and insecticides in 1997 to curtail their use in rural areas by people wishing to commit suicide.

Friday, AFP