These days, pesticides seem to be taking a lot of heat. From complaints that they are killing off bee and butterfly populations to arguments that they could be linked to cancer development, pesticides have gotten a bad rap as of late. Luckily, one group may be looking to turn that around.
A California-based group has started a campaign known as "Apply Responsibly," which is encouraging gardeners to pick up those bottles of pesticides again. Their argument? Pesticides are only harmful when they are used incorrectly.
Changing reputations
The campaign was founded by The Pyrethroid Working Group, an organization that supports the pesticide industry. According to the foundation's website, the group decided that oftentimes people are misinformed about pesticide use because of the bad reputation they have earned in the media. The organization only supports pesticides that are federally approved for use, but notes that with the right methods, gardeners and farmers can repel pests safely without harming themselves in the meantime.
Mainly the campaign supports the use of pyrethroid pesticides, a type of insecticide used to kill voracious pests in small gardens and farms. Usually this man-made chemical is not harmful to people and other types of mammals. However, it can be toxic to fish if it accidentally seeps into a nearby body of water. The chemical is also very potent against the insects it is supposed to kill – only a small dose will effectively do the job, according to Texas A&M University.
The organization offers tips for proper, safe use of the pesticide on its website, as well as lots of information about its history and development over the years. The chemical also comes in many different forms and some may be harder to recognize than others. Ashley Clark, a spokesperson for Apply Responsibly, told the Compton Herald that it is important for consumers to read the label first before using the product. If people do not understand what they are using, there is a greater chance that people will mess up and use the product incorrectly.
"This will [direct] them to use the right amount because each product is different," she told the news publication.
Following directions
Once people have read the label and understand the directions, the recommendations do not end there. People should also be mindful of their water usage after applying pesticides, as overwatering can cause runoff. Consumers should also be mindful that their application is far from decks, sidewalks, walkways and driveways, as pets and children may walk on these areas barefoot. Lastly, people should only buy enough pesticides for the job at hand or for the season. If people attempt to reuse pesticides the following season, the chemical compounds could have changed and they might have put themselves in a compromised position.
Without these safety measures, people could be at risk for poisoning themselves. Many states do not keep track of the rates of pesticide poisonings, but California does. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, California had more than 7,600 pesticide poisonings in 2008. Approximately 78 million households use pesticides in their gardens or around their yards, so organizations such as The Pyrethroid Working Group should continue to educate the general public on their pesticide use.
