Pesticides A Toxic Time Bomb in Our Midst

Children who live and play in agricultural areas are at higher risk of exposure to

pesticides in dust and soil. Researchers in Washington state found that pesticide resi-

dues were highest in dust soil from homes located in closest proximity to agricultural

operations.^14 In California, the children of migrant farmworkers living near sprayed

fields experienced depressed cholinesterase activity and symptoms of acute pesticide

exposure. Nearly one in five of these children had below-normal cholinesterase levels

even though they did not work in the fields. Residential exposure to pesticide drift

was considered responsible.^15

Carpets act as long-term reservoirs for pesticides that are sprayed indoors. A study

assessing pesticide exposure from carpet dust in homes revealed that the average num-

ber of pesticides found in the carpet dust samples was twelve, compared to 7.5 in air

samples collected in the same residences. Moreover, in all residences sampled, thirteen

pesticides that were not detected in the air were found in the carpet dust. The neuro-

toxic insectide diazinon was detected in nine of eleven carpets tested. Exposure may

be further exacerbated when carpets are cleaned, allowing pesticides to become air-

borne again and available for inhalation.^16

Slower Breakdown Rate

Pesticides applied to soil, water, vegetation, or other surfaces indoors usually break

down at a slower rate than pesticides applied outdoors. This is due primarily to the lack

of sunlight indoors. This includes glass greenhouses, as the glass filters out ultraviolet

light necessary for pesticide degradation. Pesticides applied indoors are not affected by

wind or rain, and are less likely to move by mass transfer from the point of application.

Vapor loss may also be less, as surfaces are not exposed to the heat of the sun.

Pet Exposure

Children who play with pets treated for fleas, ticks, and other pests can be exposed to

pesticides. Flea collars, shampoos, soaps, sprays, dusts, powders, and dips usually contain

an insecticide. Common insecticides for pets include pyrethrins such as permethrin and

OPs such as chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and phosmet.^17 A study of 238 households in Mis-

souri found that 50 percent used insecticides to control fleas and ticks on pets.^18

Pesticides in Farmworkers’ Homes

Children of farmworkers can be exposed to pesticides through multiple pathways,

including agricultural take-home and drift as well as residential applications. Because

farmworker families often live in poor-quality housing, the exposure from residential

pesticide use may be substantial. Eight locally reported agricultural pesticides and

thirteen pesticides commonly found in the homes of forty-one farmworker families

with at least one child less than seven years of age in western North Carolina and

Virginia were measured. Wipe samples were taken from floor surfaces, toys, and

160 | Pesticides

http://www.ebook3000.com