|
In 1995 Americans used an estimated 133 million pounds of pesticides in their homes and gardens, including 47
million pounds of herbicides.* The most common pesticides used by homeowners were the herbicides 2,4-D and Glyphosate (sold under trade names Roundup and Rodeo). The presence or misapplication of pesticides in homes and buildings can have serious adverse human health and environmental effects.* For example, there has been much debate over whether 2,4-D is a carcinogen, and the issue is still under review by the EPA. Possible links to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are of special concern.* Glyphosate exposure was the most common reported cause of pesticide illness for landscape workers.*
Home pesticide use is a particularly critical issue when considering the health of children, and has lead to
new regulations.The EPA reports that indoor air has much higher pesticide concentrations than outdoor air and noted that small children spend close to 90 percent of their time indoors. The
report estimates that 85 percent of a person's total daily exposure to airborne pesticides comes from indoor air.* Indoor pesticide exposure can result from use of household pesticides, disinfectants containing pesticides, and flea treatments for pets, among other sources. Pesticides can also be found in soil and dust tracked into homes from lawns, gardens, and job sites. One study showed that the greatest number of pesticides and highest concentrations were found in carpet dust.*
In 1995 industrial, commercial, and government institutions used 150 million pounds of pesticides, accounting
for 12 percent of all active pesticide ingredients used in the United States.* Many pesticides that could pose serious potential adverse health effects, including 2,4-D and diazinon, are commonly used for turf management on golf courses and public parks.* Pesticide use in schools is an important issue to many parents and teachers. The Southwest Regional Office of the Consumers Union issued a report in September 1999 on pesticide use in Schools entitled Pesticide Report Card:Texas Schools Score from A to F in the Integrated Pest Management Program.*
|
