The California Department of Pesticide Regulation released the results of annual pesticide use reporting – the only reporting like it in the country – offering a glimpse into what potentially hazardous pesticides are being used in the state. Despite fewer plantings and crop loss due to the drought across the state, hazardous pesticide use increased in some counties. From 2013 to 2014, in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, such pesticide use increased 10.0% and 9.4%, respectively.

After conducting an analysis of the 2014 data, Mark Weller, co-director of Californians for Pesticide Reform, released the following statement: “Pesticides, whether they are sprayed, fumigated or air blasted, are used in troubling amounts across California. This is particularly true and concerning near the state’s most vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren." In particular, use of Dow’s cancer-causing soil fumigant Telone (1,3-Dichloropropene) increased with use more concentrated on fewer acres. Use of the soil fumigant chloropicrin also increased to the highest levels reported in California in at least a decade, and saw double digit percentage increases in Monterey (12.3%) and Santa Cruz (18.3%) Counties.

Read More | See Also: New Report Links Pesticides Used in Combination Near Schools to Increased Cancer Risk

Previous Coverage: New Report: Fumigant Pesticides Put Central Coast Communities At Risk | California's New “Recommended Restrictions” for Chloropicrin are Inadequate | Groundbreaking Report Finds High Rates of Pesticide Use Near Monterey County Schools