Pesticide Buffer Zones

Oregon Toxics Alliance is working with other Oregon environmental and human health groups to reduce the risk of exposure to pesticide drift from agricultural and forestry operations. We are proposing a one mile protective no-spray zone around schools and daycare centers to reduce exposures to pesticide drift.

Why is Pesticide Drift a Problem?

Pesticides spread beyond where they're sprayed. They drift in the wind and wash downstream. New analysis of pesticide drift reveals that several widely used pesticides are regularly found far from their application sites at concentrations that significantly exceed levels deemed “safe” by regulatory agencies. Virtually everywhere pesticides are used, they drift away from their intended target and remain in the environment for days and even months.

Models for pesticide use reform can be found in California and seven other states who have enacted restrictions on pesticide applications that create buffer zones ranging from 500 feet to 2 ½ miles in areas around schools.

What You Can Do

	Volunteer
	Donate

What Oregon Toxics Alliance is doing

Oregon Toxics Alliance is working with the Senate Work Group on Health and Pesticides to reduce children's exposure to pesticides.  We continue to work with other organizations and individuals to educate and implement pesticide free buffer zone around schools.