Old or waste pesticides stored on farms pose a unique threat to farm families, rural communities, and surrounding ecosystems. Despite the dangers, farmers often do dispose of them, either because there is no means to do so, or because they are reluctant to do so. An agricultural chemical waste collection day was held in Otsego County, NY; 400 farms were contacted, 24 farms participated, and 2964 pounds of pesticides were collected at an average of 123 pounds per farm. Of the pesticides collected, 47% were insecticides, and 33% were herbicides. Even higher rates, averaging 377 lbs. per farm, were found when collection data from Genessee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties in New York were examined. Of the pesticides collected by the GLOW alliance, 25% were insecticides, 18% were herbicides, and 17% were fungicides. This preliminary data suggests that there is a potentially large source of toxic chemicals gradually reaching soil and groundwater through the decay of storage containers. Well designed pesticide collection projects can be effective and should be a priority for local health officials.
Learning Objectives: 1. participants will be able to describe the pattern of agricultural waste chemicals found in the study region 2. participants will be able to rank the different agricultural chemical categories in terms of their hazard to humans 3. participants will be able to describe the model for a community based assessment and clean up of agricultural wastes
Keywords: Pesticides, Water
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health - nonprofit agricultural safety and health organization which conducts research and training in agricultural health and safety
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.