Citing a World Health Organization report in 2001, a University of 
Philippines pharmacology professor says that in Third World countries 
25 million farm workers are vulnerable to SARS due to constant 
exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals.

 Some 150 delegates from 17 countries attended the international 
gathering of the Pesticide Action Network – Asia in Quezon City, 
Philippines.  Dr. Romeo Quijano, a toxicologist and health and human 
rights activist, said prolonged use of chemicals and their ingestion 
by humans can weaken or even destroy the immune system.  A healthy 
immune system is vital to protection against SARS, the antibiotic-
resistant virus now being battled by countries around the world.

Source: Patty Webber, Co-chair, London Citizens Against Pesticides 



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