California DPR Reports Drop in Use of Pesticides

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Pesticide Regulation recently reported 2006 pesticide use statistics that showed continued progress towards the reduction of pesticide use.
 
Overall statewide pesticide use declined by nearly six million pounds from 2005 to 2006 (from 195.3 million to 189.6 million). While use increased in landscape maintenance, public health and other categories, production agriculture saw a 10 million pound drop.

Use of many high-toxicity chemicals dropped for the third consecutive year. Other details from DPR's 2006 pesticide use summary, with comparisons to use in 2005:

• Fumigant use decreased in poundage (down 1.7 million pounds), but increased in cumulative acreage (up 28,000 acres).
• Use of oil pesticides increased by 6.4 million pounds and 472,000 acres.
• Use of insecticide organophosphate and carbamate chemicals continued to decline. For 2006, use declined by 635,000 pounds and 668,000 acres.
• Chemicals classified as potential carcinogens declined by 1.8 million pounds and 288,000 acres.
• Chemicals classified as reproductive toxins declined by 2 million pounds and 350,000 acres.
• Chemicals classified as toxic air contaminants decreased by 1 million pounds and 106,000 acres. Ground water contaminant pesticides increased 124,000 pounds, but acreage remained about the same.