Countywide Agricultural Pesticide Use Up 10% in Monterey and 9.4% in Santa Cruz

After conducting an analysis of the 2014 data, Mark Weller, co-director of Californians for Pesticide Reform, released the following statement today: “Pesticides, whether they are sprayed, fumigated or air blasted, are used in troubling amounts across California. This is particularly true and concerning near the state’s most vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren."

In particular, use of Dow’s cancer-causing soil fumigant Telone (1,3-Dichloropropene) increased with use more concentrated on fewer acres. Use of the soil fumigant chloropicrin also increased to the highest levels reported in California in at least a decade, and saw double digit percentage increases in Monterey (12.3%) and Santa Cruz (18.3%) Counties.

This is especially concerning since a recent study by the University of California Los Angeles showed that exposure to these pesticides -- which are among the most frequently-used pesticides near schools -- in combination can lead to even higher risk of cancer than exposure in isolation. Use of several other cancer-causing pesticides (mancozeb, chlorothalonil, and captan) used to control plant diseases also increased.

Statewide use of the brain-harming pesticide chlorpyrifos decreased slightly from 2013 but remained above average use levels for the previous 5 years. In Santa Cruz County, however, chlorpyrifos applications increased 25.8% to 1,335 pounds.

This isn’t to say it’s all bad news. Use of biopesticides has increased. These products tend to be lower toxicity and tend to break down more quickly.


Californians for Pesticide Reform
http://pesticidereform.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Californians-for-Pesticide-Reform-174782342537838/