Consumers are constantly looking for healthier food options and are a lot more conscious about what they put in their bodies. Products labeled as “Organic” “Non-GMO” or “Pesticide-Free” are becoming the first choice when compared to products without them. The use of pesticides has become somewhat of a controversial topic with advocates on both sides making their case. Some pro-pesticide advocates claim that the responsible application of pesticides can help ensure farmers have bountiful harvests, keep food costs lower, and reduce waterborne and insecttransmitted diseases. Those against pesticides claim that many, if not all pesticides have toxic effects and should be banned altogether, especially when they have the potential to drift and expose those living nearby treated areas. If you live nearby a farm, the chances are that this topic has come up before.
What is Pesticide Drift? The spread of pesticides from the area of application to surrounding areas via air is known as pesticide drift. This drift can occur during the application of pesticides through particles in the air or after the application when certain pesticides convert into vapors that disperse in the surrounding areas. According to environmental protection agencies such as NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), more than one million pounds of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to developmental delays and learning deficits in children, are being used in California alone. Throughout California, more than 150 schools sit within a quarter-mile of chlorpyrifos applications.