This graph is created from 1990 California census data, and displays the number of persons in the designated age groups in rural Monterey County. As shown, persons of school age (K-12), represent one of the largest portions of the population. This is relevant because a large number of schools are directly adjacent to fumigated fields, making children and public school employees possible victims of methyl bromide poisoning. The California Federation of Teachers actively supports a ban on methyl bromide due to the school-related illnesses which have been caused by methyl bromide exposure. Further, various cases of cancer and other illnesses have been attributed to methyl bromide exposure by parents whose children either attend school near strawberry fields, or live near those fields (Fish Rap Live, 2/14/96).