How are pesticides released into the environment?
Pesticides are released into the environment primarily through their application to agricultural lands, including croplands, orchards, and pastures, and for nonagricultural pest control, such as on lawns and gardens, commercial areas, and rights-of-way. In 2001, agriculture accounted for about three-quarters of total national use, with the remaining quarter being applied for a wide range of non-agricultural purposes. The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program focused primarily on “nonpoint” sources of pesticides resulting from applications for pest management, although some sites downstream from major metropolitan areas also may be influenced by point sources, such as discharges from wastewater-treatment plants.
