Air samples collected and tested in 2024 found no pesticide detections were above DPR’s health screening levels
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released its 2024 Air Monitoring Network (AMN) Report, which analyzed over 200 samples collected in four California communities, comparing pesticide detections to health protective thresholds. Last year, no pesticides detected at DPR air monitoring stations exceeded those thresholds.
In 2024, 13 pesticides were detected at quantifiable levels, including 1,3-D, chloropicrin, methyl bromide (MeBr), and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC). All were detected below health protection thresholds, which means health effects are unlikely to occur.
“Monitoring air in agricultural communities helps us better understand potential pesticide exposure and evaluate the effectiveness of our protections,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison.
DPR’s AMN includes four monitoring stations located in Oxnard, Shafter, Santa Maria and Watsonville — agricultural communities with high pesticide use. The stations collect weekly air samples, each of which is tested for 40 pesticides and breakdown products that have higher toxicity, use, or likelihood of becoming airborne.
SAVE THE DATE: DPR will host a series of virtual public meetings in December to provide information on the 2024 AMN Report for the communities where monitors are located.
More information on the meetings is available on DPR’s website.
— California Department of Pesticide Regulation
Link to Original Article (courtesy of Morning Ag Clips)
Photo by Geri Mis on Unsplash