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By Ben Felder
Eighteen different pesticide compounds were detected in public parks and playgrounds at 10 sites across Illinois last summer, including some agrichemicals that drifted at least 3,700 feet from the nearest spray site.
The new research, conducted by the Champaign-based nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network, comes days after the defeat of a state bill that would have required pesticide applicators to notify nearby schools and parks before spraying.
“There was pretty stiff opposition from the ag industry,” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, director of ecological health at the Prairie Rivers Network, referring to House Bill 1596 (HB1596).
“But we all have a right to clean air and healthy places to live and play and work, and these chemicals are trespassing.”
Released last week, the new report included monthly testing data from last May to September at 10 sites ranging from 110 to 3,700 feet from the nearest potential application sites, such as a farm or golf course.
2,4-D and dicamba were detected at a minimum of two sites each month, with 2, 4-D being the only compound found at every site every month.
Atrazine, acetachlor, glufosinate and metolachlor were detected at least once each month during four of the five months.
“It doesn’t really matter how far you are from an agricultural field, a golf course, or other site of large-scale application, these pesticides are not staying put,” Erndt-Pitcher said.
“Injury is evident, and we need to start doing something about it, because our current rules and regulations and enforcement practices are not adequate to protect our open spaces, our communities and public health.”
Filed last year, HB1596 would have required pesticide and herbicide sprayers to give schools and parks within a half mile a 72-hour warning. Supporters say the bill’s language was weakened in recent weeks before it ultimately failed to pass a key legislative deadline this month.
The Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association each opposed the bill and argued it would have been too burdensome for pesticide applicators, who often have to adjust their plans based on the weather.
Requiring a 48-hour firm notice period forces farmers to choose between following the law and applying chemicals safely when the wind is actually down, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association said in a witness statement to the House Energy & Environment Committee.
Pesticides, which include herbicides and fungicides used to fight weeds, pests and other bacteria, have received growing attention for potential links to cancer and other health issues.
A recent Investigate Midwest report found that counties with higher pesticide use typically have higher cancer rates.
Agrichemical companies have lost thousands of lawsuits from pesticide users claiming their cancer was caused by these chemicals, including Roundup, the popular herbicide made by Bayer.
Two states have banned their residents from suing pesticide companies — North Dakota and Georgia — and the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case this week that could essentially impose a nationwide ban.
Supporters of HB1596 said they plan to push for the notice-before-spraying bill again next year.
“We are circling up and reevaluating and going to continue to work on the bill, hopefully to make it stronger next year,” Erndt-Pitcher said.
Originally Published by Investigate Midwest.
Ben Felder is Investigate Midwest’s first editor in chief. He was hired in 2023 to cover agribusiness and the meat industry in Oklahoma.
