[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Pesticide sales in Calif. Report

Below is a press release from the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation concerning psticide sales in California in 1995.  For further
information, please contact the number at teh bottom of the press release.
Media Contact: Veda Federighi: (916) 445-3974
****************************************
Kathy Brunetti, Agriculture Program Supervisor
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
1020 N Street Room 161,  Sacramento, California, USA 95814-5624
voice (916) 324-4100,  FAX (916) 324-4088,  brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov
Our Web site: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov
*******************************************
Release No. 97-24
	Date: September 3, 1997


DPR REPORT: AMOUNT OF PESTICIDES SOLD IN 1995

	There were 543.1 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients
reported sold in California in 1995, according to a summary released by
Cal/EPA's Department of Pesticide Regulation.
	The 543.1 million pounds of active ingredient sold in 1995 was down
15 percent from 1994 sales of 627.9 million pounds.  Some 661.7 million
pounds were reported sold in 1993.  Fluctuations in pounds sold can be
attributed to a variety of factors, including weather conditions,
variations in planted acreage, crop plantings, and pest infestations.
	Some 1,258 companies had a total of about 10,200 products licensed
by DPR in 1995. About 800 active ingredients were used in those products.
(An active ingredient is the substance that gives a product its pesticidal
effect.)
	Products that control microorganisms or algae in water -- including
sanitizers, disinfectants, and bactericides -- make up the majority of
pesticides sold. The largest amounts of such chemicals are chlorine-based
products used in swimming pools, lakes and ponds, and in water used for
manufacturing processes.  Some 53 percent of the pesticides sold in 1995
(290.2 million pounds) were these algicides and antimicrobials.
	Fungicides accounted for the second largest category of pounds sold
at 21 percent (112.6 million pounds). Such products control mildews, molds,
and pathogens  that may cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Fungi also may destroy wood and fiber products if left untreated.
	("Pesticide" is an umbrella term used to describe many kinds of
chemicals that control or repel pests, including insecticides, fumigants,
nematicides, rodenticides, defoliants, growth regulators, herbicides,
bactericides, antimicrobials, algicides, and fungicides.
Adjuvants--substances like emulsifiers added to pesticides to enhance their
effectiveness--are also considered pesticides under California law.)
	State law requires pesticide manufacturers to pay a fee based on
their dollar sales of pesticide products, and to submit quarterly sales
reports.
	For a copy of the 12-page sales summary report, contact Pesticide
Enforcement Branch, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 1020 N
Street, Sacramento 95814-5624, phone (916) 445-3920.  The report includes a
brief narrative summary, and a list of active ingredients with total pounds
sold.  A breakdown by type of pesticide is also included.
Follow-Ups: