Roadside Spraying

Herbicides don’t stay where they are sprayed. When applied to roadsides, they run-off and drift into the surrounding environment including residential property. They contaminate our land, air, water and even our bodies.

Many scientific studies are showing that pesticides, including herbicides, are very harmful to fetuses and young children.  A study done here in Oregon by the Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) found that children’s thinking, memory and spatial skills are impaired when they are exposed to agricultural pesticides.

Did you know:

• Chemical herbicides, including carcinogens, are applied to the shoulders of State and County highways each spring?
• Herbicides don’t stay put.  Droplets and vapors will drift in the wind.  Residues get tracked indoors by people and pests, where they remain for years.
• Herbicides are powerful poisons. ODOT uses carcinogens Diuron and Casoron as well as Crossbow, Garlon, Payload and other chemicals. 
• Children waiting for the school bus and people who walk, jog, or cycle the highway are especially at risk. A spray truck can approach suddenly, or it may have recently applied a potent herbicide mixture.
• Children are more vulnerable to chemicals than adults because they are still developing.
• Some people experience flu-like symptoms, asthma or heart irregularities from herbicide applications.
• There are viable alternatives to chemicals such as mowing and hot foam.
• ODOT will not heed "No-Spray" signs.

What is OTA Doing?

Oregon Toxics Alliance is working hard to promote alternatives to reduce roadside spraying. Click here for an update.