That's because few worker camps have telephones. Workers who do have a way to complain often don't because of concerns about retaliation from their employers.

That was the message of public health advocates in a House committee hearing this afternoon.

The House Committee on Agribusiness and Agricultural Economy was discussing a bill by Rep. Dan Blue, a Raleigh Democrat.

Blue's bill would close loopholes in the law over pesticide reporting. Opponents of the legislation say it's premature and would hurt business.

The bill was inspired by reporting on Ag-Mart, a tomato grower that was investigated for exposing workers to pesticides, possibly leading to birth defects in three babies.

It would increase fines, extend whistle-blower protection, expand pesticide reporting requirements and require working phones and emergency contact information in migrant housing.

Dawn Burtt, a nurse practitioner with Wake County Human Services, said workers are often concerned when planes fly overhead, possibly spraying pesticides on them.

"It's terrifying," she said. "People have no idea what they've been exposed to, no idea of the implications for their health, and what are they going to do? Go home. There's no phone. There's no way to contact anybody about what they've seen."

Mitch Peele, director of public policy for the N.C. Farm Bureau, said the bill had a "noble intent" but was premature. He said lawmakers should wait until the Ag-Mart case is over to pass new laws.

"We feel it's inappropriate to start proposing a remedy -- particularly a legislative remedy -- when that has not worked its way entirely through the court system," he said.

Blue said the bill will likely not reach the floor this session.