Pesticides – Landscaping Stats and Facts

FACTS

Primary hazards associated with pesticide use in landscaping

1. Acute Poisoning: Pesticides can be inhaled during application, leading to respiratory issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, poisoning.

• Skin contact with pesticides can cause rashes, burns, and other skin irritations.
• Accidental ingestion of pesticides, which can happen through contaminated food, water, or hands.

2. Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

• Some pesticides are known endocrine disruptors.
• Chronic exposure to pesticides can cause neurological problems.

3. Environmental Hazards: Pesticides can leach into groundwater or runoff into surface water.

• Persistent pesticides can remain in the soil for long periods, affecting soil health and non-target organisms like beneficial insects, earthworms, and soil microbes.

4. Accidental Exposure and Spills: Improper handling, storage, or disposal of pesticides leading to spills.

STATS

• There were 2,606 cases of acute occupational pesticide-related illness and injury in 12 states. Agricultural workers faced a much higher rate of illness and injury (18.6 per 100,000) compared to non-agricultural workers (0.5 per 100,000).
• (NIOSH) has reported that approximately 10,000 cases of pesticide-related illnesses occur each year among agricultural workers, which includes landscaping.
• A study indicated that about 20% of agricultural workers and landscapers reported experiencing symptoms related to pesticide exposure, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and neurological symptoms.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 1.5% of all pesticide-related illnesses are severe enough to require hospitalization, which translates to about 150 cases annually.
• In 2021, the overall pesticide sales in Canada were 132,885,434 kg, a 5.1% increase from 2020.
• Approximately 39,236 metric tonnes of pesticides were applied in the Canadian Prairies, predominantly herbicides (24-183 kg/km), followed by fungicides and insecticides.
• In Canada, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) reports that there are approximately 1,000 cases of pesticide-related illnesses each year, primarily among agricultural workers, including those in landscaping.
• A study found that 30% of landscape workers reported experiencing adverse health effects from pesticide exposure, with symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to more severe reactions.