Why is This Important?

Widespread use of toxic pesticides can damage human health and the environment. Toxic pesticides can cause cancer or do reproductive or neurological harm. Pesticides applied to homes, gardens, buildings, agriculture, rights of way, and other areas can run off into waterways, polluting water and threatening the health of wildlife. Organic food production and nontoxic or less toxic pest management are viable and proven alternatives to conventional pesticide use.

What is a Sustainable State?

A sustainable state is one where the most toxic pesticides are eliminated from use and nontoxic management practices are widespread.

How Are We Doing?

Pesticide Use
· In 2009, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation reported 242,193 pounds of pesticides used in San Mateo County for nonresidential purposes, a decrease of 20.9 percent. The Pesticide Action Network classifies 57 percent (138,000 pounds) as “most toxic.”

· Use of the most toxic pesticides was 17 percent less than in 2008, a marked improvement from the 3.1 percent increase of these chemicals between 2007 and 2008.

· There was a significant reduction in the use of sulfuryl fluoride, one of the most widely used and toxic chemicals in the last decade. Sulfuryl fluoride is used for pest eradication (primarily termites) in homes and businesses.

· The most widely used chemical on the Pesticide Action Network’s “most toxic” list was metam potassium, a known carcinogen and reproductive toxin used on Brussels sprouts and leeks. Over 43,000 pounds of it was applied in 2009, a reduction from 48,000 pounds in 2008.

· About 30 percent of pesticide use in 2009 was for agriculture production including nursery plants. After agriculture, public health applications (primarily mosquito control) and landscape maintenance had the second and third largest pesticide use.

Organic Farming
· In 2009, 11 organic farms devoted 110 acres to organic farming, a significant reduction in total organic farming acreage from 2008, when 193 acres were in production. Two organic farms closed in 2009, possibly because of adverse economic conditions. (See also: Agriculture indicator)

· As part of the Our Water - Our World program, 21 different home improvement and garden centers in San Mateo County now offer nontoxic pest control products and education fact sheets. Visit http://ourwaterourworld.org.dnnmax.com/ for more info.