Nationwide, 22% of agricultural pesticide use is applied in California. A public use database maintained by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation allows pesticide use applied to fields in California to be mapped to a resolution of one square mile and allows potentially exposed populations to be identified. We overlaid this use information for several classes of pesticides, including potential carcinogens, potential reproductive agents, and organophospates for the years 1991 through 1994 with 1990 U.S. census block group information. Maps of pesticide use by block group will be presented. Many (44%) census block groups had no agricultural pesticide use. “High” pesticide use census block groups were defined as those where pesticide use was greater than 1,000 pounds per square mile of land area. For potential carcinogens, 2.6% of census block groups with a population of 190,057 children were thus categorized as high pesticide use block groups. For organophosphates, 0.4% of California census block groups with a population of 33,710 children were categorized as high pesticide use block groups. The number of schools in these areas will also be identified. Environmental and biological monitoring data is limited and is needed in these areas to determine exposures.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion, the participant will be able to: 1)Describe the size of the population of children living in high agricultural pesticide use areas in California. 2) Identify which class of pesticides and which geographical areas have higher use. 3) Articulate the need for environmental monitoring in high pesticide use areas
Keywords: Rural Communities, Environmental Exposures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.