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It is one of the most negative effects of pesticide application. Drift can damage human health, environment, and crops. [1] [2] Together with runoff and leaching, drift is a mechanism for agricultural pollution. [3] Some drift results from contamination of sprayer tanks. [4] Farmers struggle to minimize pesticide drift and remain productive. [5]
This occurs when the pesticide chemicals travel to near by areas leading to exposure to highly toxic airborne chemicals. [48] Pesticide drift is not an isolated occurrence and it happens routinely to those working in the fields and farm-working neighborhoods that reside close to industrial farming. [48]
Almost all humans are exposed to some level of pesticides. [5] For example, pesticide drift, may be a potentially significant source of exposure to the general public. [8] Exposure can occur via ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin. [9] Some pesticides can remain in the environment for prolonged periods of time.
Pesticides can enter the body through inhalation of aerosols, dust and vapor that contain pesticides; through oral exposure by consuming food/water; and through skin exposure by direct contact. [96] Pesticides secrete into soils and groundwater which can end up in drinking water, and pesticide spray can drift and pollute the air.
From 2013 to 2020 Alpine had been directly involved in causing a multitude of pesticide drift incidents. Pesticide drift involves the migration of pesticide particles into non-regulated areas through the air. [11] Aerial application is the application method that most regularly causes pesticide drift, being the cause of 39% of drift incidents. [12]
These tests evaluate: whether the pesticide has the potential to cause adverse effects (including cancer and reproductive system disorders) on humans, wildlife, fish, and plants, including endangered species and non-target organisms; and possible contamination of surface water or ground water from leaching, runoff, and spray drift. [4]
However, the use of herbicides can cause phytotoxic effects on non-targeted plants through wind-blown spray drift or from the use of herbicide-contaminated material (such as straw or manure) being applied to the soil. [5] Herbicides can also cause phytotoxicity in crops if applied incorrectly, in the wrong stage of crop growth, or in excess. [1]
The Pesticide Data Program, [23] a program started by the United States Department of Agriculture is the largest tester of pesticide residues on food sold in the United States. It began in 1991 and tests food for the presence of various pesticides and if they exceed EPA tolerance levels for samples collected close to the point of consumption.