Stop the Spray Marin is sending out what it calls a "health hazard" alert packet - a 20-page document - to Marin physicians to warn of potential health effects from planned aerial spraying to eradicate the light brown apple moth.

The state Department of Agriculture said the pheromone pesticide it has used in the past is safe, but there were reports of illness last fall in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties where it was used. The state found no link between the claims of illness and the pesticide.

But Stop the Spray Marin wants local health care professionals to be aware and to recognize potential health issues.

The state has announced plans to spray the pheromone over parts of Southern Marin in late summer or fall; a date for launch of the program has not been set.

- Mark Prado