Report: Pesticide Use in Grass Seed Production

Dispelling the Field Burning Myth

A common argument against a ban on field burning is that it will result in an increase in pesticide use. Oregon Toxics Alliance's new report. Pesticide Use in Grass Seed Production: Dispelling the Myth, takes an in-depth look at that claim. It finds that grass seed fields are often sprayed with pesticides before and after field burning.

The real issue is that field burning actually exacerbates the toxic effects of pesticides. According to the report, "Pesticide residues that are incinerated in the process of flaming and field burning contribute to an entirely different set of environmental hazards." Dioxin, cyanide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide are a few examples of the toxics produced when pesticide residue is exposed to fire.

The report looks at pesticide use by the industry, and the health and environmental issues created by that us.. Click here for the complete report. NOTE: Adobe Reader is required.