Pesticides Found in Most Rivers, Streams

March 3, 2006

Hmmm, maybe now more folks will realize how much more practical it is to

grow organic whenever it is possible!

*Smile*

Chris

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60303-843842020

Pesticides Found in Most Rivers, Streams

By JOHN HEILPRIN (Associated Press Writer)

From Associated Press

March 03, 2006 11:45 AM EST

WASHINGTON - Pesticides linked to cancer, birth defects and neurological

disorders contaminate almost all of the nation's rivers and streams and

most fish found in them, but seldom at concentrations likely to affect

people, government scientists said Friday.

Though the pesticides were less common in ground water, the U.S.

Geological Survey's study of data between 1992 and 2001 found them

present in streams in both urban and agricultural areas at

concentrations that could affect aquatic life or fish-eating wildlife.

Robert Hirsch, the USGS associate director for water, said that " while

the use of pesticides has resulted in a wide range of benefits to

control weeds, insects, and other pests, including increased food

production and reduction of insect-borne disease, their use also raises

questions about possible effects on the environment, including water

quality. "

About 40 pesticides of 100 that were studied accounted for most of the

findings in water, fish and sediment. Three herbicides used mainly on

farms, atrazine, metolachlor, and cyanazine, were the most frequently

detected in agricultural streams. Three herbicides used commonly in

cities, simazine, prometon, and tebuthiuron, showed up more often in

urban streams.

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