Neighbors Near Field Report Homes 'Buzzed,' Symptoms

The FAA and the Colorado Department of Agriculture are both investigating a crop-dusting flight which may have contaminated a residential area with the agricultural fungicide Inspire XT. The spray is specified by its manufacturer, Syngenta Crop Protection, for use in controlling the damaging sugar beet diseases Cercospora leaf spot and powdery mildew.

But the Denver Post reports it can cause eye and skin irritation, dizziness and drowsiness in humans, and be toxic to fish.

The paper reports residents of a Fort Collins neighborhood are complaining of emotional distress and health problems after a Grumman G-164A biplane (file photo of "B" model pictured) operated by Low Level Dusting Company of LaSalle "buzzed" their subdivision August 20. Some have reported burning eyes and noses and dizziness.

The plane was spraying a 156-acre field adjacent to the residential area. There's no question the plane was low and close - a video provided to the FAA by neighbors reportedly shows the pilot's face.

The state investigation, by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, could reportedly take a year. FAA spokesman Mike Fergus tells the paper the number of complaints on the incident warrants a federal probe, as well.

Syngenta Crop Protection says its Inspire XT fungicide is approved in some, but not all states.

FMI: Inspire XT ; Denver Post Story