Can pesticides cause environmental problems?
Yes. Pesticides can contaminate soil and water and many of them carry such warnings on their labels. In agricultural areas in New York State and around the country, drinking water wells have been closed due to pesticide contamination of groundwater. When it rains, pesticides are carried by storm drains into streams and rivers, where they can kill small plants and animals that fish depend on for food. Pesticides can also poison fish and wildlife. As discussed above, diazinon has killed ducks, geese and other water fowl. There is substantial evidence that it also has killed song-birds. In New York State, what information must pest control companies provide to customers? Lawn care companies are required by state law to provide customers with a written contract in advance of service that shows approximate date or dates of application, number of applications, and total cost for the service. The company must supply a list of substances to be applied, including brand name and generic names of
