Most people think that if pesticides are applied to their property, then it stays on their property. But that view is wrong. It has long been known that there is drift to neighboring properties when pesticides are applied, with even more drift occurring when it is windy. But what if there are schools or playgrounds nearby?
Research conducted in the Illinois found that pesticides from large-scale applications (farms, golf courses), drift hundreds and thousands of feet onto parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards. The researchers referred to the drifting of pesticides and landing away from the target area as "chemical trespass".
The researchers looked for 18 pesticides at 10 sites (school playgrounds and public parks) by sampling the sites monthly during 5 warm months (May - September). Silicone monitoring bands were used and foliage samples were taken. During the 5 months between 1 and 10 pesticides were detected at each site, with 2,4-D found at every site every month. (NOTE: 2,4-D was one of 2 pesticides in Agent Orange, and is still commonly used on lawns.)
Yes, many studies find that pesticides have health effects, including cancer, with children being the most vulnerable. Some of the pesticides the study detected are banned in other countries.
The chemical trespass (drift) of pesticides is especially concerning because Illinois lawmakers recently rejected a bill requiring advance notification to schools and playgrounds of near-by large-scale pesticide applications. But schools do need advance notification to protect their students - for example, keeping school children indoors or windows shut on spraying days.
By the way, it was lobbying by the chemical industry and conventional farm association that caused the bill to fail. Profits before people!
From Investigate Midwest: Pesticides detected hundreds of feet away from parks and playgrounds in these 10 Illinois counties
Eighteen different pesticide compounds were detected in public parks and playgrounds at 10 sites across Illinois last summer, including some agrichemicals that drifted at least 3,700 feet from the nearest spray site.
The new research, conducted by the Champaign-based nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network, comes days after the defeat of a state bill that would have required pesticide applicators to notify nearby schools and parks before spraying.
“There was pretty stiff opposition from the ag industry,” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, director of ecological health at the Prairie Rivers Network, referring to House Bill 1596. “But we all have a right to clean air and healthy places to live and play and work, and these chemicals are trespassing.”
Released last week, the new report included monthly testing data from last May to September at 10 sites ranging from 110 to 3,700 feet from the nearest potential application sites, such as a farm or golf course. 2,4-D and dicamba were detected at a minimum of two sites each month, with 2, 4-D being the only compound found at every site every month. Atrazine, acetachlor, glufosinate and metolachlor were detected at least once each month during four of the five months.
“It doesn’t really matter how far you are from an agricultural field, a golf course, or other site of large-scale application, these pesticides are not staying put,” Erndt-Pitcher said. “Injury is evident, and we need to start doing something about it, because our current rules and regulations and enforcement practices are not adequate to protect our open spaces, our communities and public health.”
Filed last year, HB1596 would have required pesticide and herbicide sprayers to give schools and parks within a half mile a 72-hour warning. Supporters say the bill’s language was weakened in recent weeks before it ultimately failed to pass a key legislative deadline this month.
The Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association each opposed the bill and argued it would have been too burdensome for pesticide applicators, who often have to adjust their plans based on the weather.
Pesticides, which include herbicides and fungicides used to fight weeds, pests and other bacteria, have received growing attention for potential links to cancer and other health issues.
Investigate Midwest, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship, recently published an investigation that found 60% of the top 500 counties for pesticide use had overall cancer rates above the national average.