The labor intensive character of the flower industry has increased the use of child

labor, a practice detected in the main flower plantation areas of Ecuador, including Pifo,

the parish in which Mulauco is located. In their analysis of age groups working in the

flower industry, Dolan and Sorby (2003) calculate that 86 % of women workers are

between 15 and 29 years old, a figure suggesting that many workers may be below 18,

the age at which an individual becomes an adult in Ecuador. A report by the International

Labour Organization's International Program to Eradicate Child Labor (IPEC)

indicates that children may account for as much as 20% of the work force in two of

Ecuador's main flower producing provinces (Castelnuovo 1999:20).

 Flower plantations also cause environmental problems because of the extensive use

of pesticides. Since flower markets seek perfect products, flower producers regularly

apply significant amounts of dangerous pesticides for pest control. This practice is

contaminating local areas and putting workers and residents at risk. In addition, the toxic

wastes generated by flower production are not generally treated before being discharged

into the water system (Mena Pozo 1999). Tests carried out in rivers next to flower

plantations reveal water contaminated by pesticide residues. Mena Pozo (1999: 73) notes

that flower residues are used to feed cattle and produce compost, which contaminates

milk and crops grown with said compost. Farmers in surrounding areas also use

pesticides on their plots, increasing the risks to the local population. It has also been

reported that plastic wastes from some flower plantations are burned regularly near

populated areas, causing air contamination.

 Castelnuovo et al (2000) report that pesticide poisoning is one of the ten major

causes of deaths and morbidity in Cayambe, the main flower production area in Ecuador.