Last summer, 18 different pesticide compounds were detected in 10 parks and playgrounds across Illinois, including pesticides that washed ashore at least 3,700 feet from the nearest application site.
The new study, conducted by the Champaign-based nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network, comes days after a state bill that would have required pesticide applicators to notify nearby schools and parks before spraying was defeated.
“There was pretty strong opposition from the agricultural industry,” said Kim Erndt Pitcher, environmental health director for Prairie Rivers Network, referring to House Bill 1596. “But we all have a right to clean air and a healthy place to live, play and work, and these chemicals are trespassing.”
A new report released last week includes monthly testing data from May through September of last year at 10 locations ranging from 110 to 3,700 feet from the nearest potential site, such as farms or golf courses. 2,4-D and dicamba were detected at at least two sites each month, and 2,4-D was the only compound detected at all sites each month. Atrazine, acetachlor, glufosinate, and metolachlor were detected at least once each month in 4 of 5 months.
No matter how far away you are from agricultural fields, golf courses, and other large-scale application sites, these pesticides don’t stay there forever.
Kim Ernd Pitcher, Director of Environmental Health, Prairie Rivers Network
“It doesn’t really matter how far you are from agricultural fields, golf courses, and other large-scale spraying sites; these pesticides aren’t going to stay there forever,” Erndpitcher said. “The injuries are clear and we need to do something about it, because our current rules, regulations, and enforcement practices are not enough to protect our open spaces, our communities, and public health.”
HB1596, filed last year, would require schools and parks within a half-mile to receive a 72-hour warning against pesticide and herbicide sprayers. Supporters say the bill’s language has weakened in recent weeks and ultimately failed to pass a key legislative deadline this month.
The Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Fertilizer Chemistry Association each opposed the bill, arguing it would be too burdensome for pesticide applicators, who often have to adjust their plans based on weather.
The Illinois Fertilizer Chemistry Association said in a witness statement to the House Energy and Environment Committee that requiring a firm 48-hour notice period forces farmers to choose between complying with the law and safely applying chemicals when the wind actually blows.
Pesticides, including herbicides and fungicides used to fight weeds, pests, and other bacteria, have received attention for their potential links to cancer and other health problems.
A recent Investigate Midwest report found that counties with higher pesticide use generally have higher cancer rates.
Pesticide companies have lost thousands of lawsuits from pesticide users who claim these chemicals cause cancer, including Bayer’s popular herbicide Roundup.
Two states, North Dakota and Georgia, prohibit residents from suing pesticide companies, and the U.S. Supreme Court this week heard a case that could effectively impose a nationwide ban.
Supporters of HB1596 said they plan to push forward with the pre-spray notification bill again next year.
“We are reviewing and re-evaluating and we will continue to work on developing the bill. Hopefully next year it will be even stronger,” Ernt Pitcher said.
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