Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Pesticides

Pesticides pose a health threat not only because of their toxicity, but also because of their widespread use in the U.S. There are now about 21,000 registered pesticide products, with almost 900 active ingredients. In a typical year, about 1.2 billion pounds of conventional pesticides and other chemicals are used in the U.S. for pest control in agriculture, residences, industrial, and commercial settings. As a result of their extensive use over the last half-century, pesticides are ubiquitous in our environment, and human exposure is virtually inevitable. Drinking water can be a significant source of chronic pesticide exposure, especially in agricultural regions where large quantities of pesticides are used.

Resources

PSR and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)'s new report examines the public health benefits and medical cost savings of cutting annual electric consumption by 15 percent. Read more »

PSR's new, updated report on the global impacts of limited nuclear war on agriculture, food supplies, and human nutrition. Read more »

In the Spotlight

March 3, 2018

WPSR Annual Dinner and Fundraiser Join Washington PSR for a reception, a delicious meal, keynote address by David Korten, presentation of the 2018 Paul Beeson and Malcolm Peterson awards, and a live auction.