|
|
|
|
|
Pollution
|
|
|
Inventories / Use Patterns: This program produces databases on toxic chemicals releases to air, water, and land through the National Pollutant Release Inventory, and industry self-reporting activity. Use patterns of commercial chemicals, including pesticides, are developed on an as needed basis. Air and Waste: This program is aimed at the reduction of environmental impacts resulting from sources of air pollutants, including combustion processes as well as the reduction of impacts from solid waste management at federal facilities. Toxic Chemicals: This program measures the environmental risks associated with priority toxic substances in the region as well as selected substances of national concern. Control strategies are developed for the highest risk substances. Pesticides: This program quantifies the environmental impacts from high-risk pesticide use and develops mitigative measures for regional pesticide programs, primarily those at federal facilities. Alternatives to Pesticides Many city dwellers expect instant solutions when it comes to controlling insects and weeds in their gardens and back yards: simply spray a pesticide and the problem is solved. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. Pesticides have to be poisons, otherwise they won't work. Like any poison around the home, pesticides should be used as a last resort and with extreme caution. Have you ever stopped to consider that for some pest problems you may not need a pesticide? On the small scale of yards and family gardens, non-chemical pest control can be a feasible alternative. Why Try Alternative Pest Control? Pesticides are toxic to many forms of life in addition to the species to be controlled. Honeybees and useful predatory insects such as ladybugs can be killed outright when the pesticide is applied. Pesticide residues can accumulate in the food chain, causing damage to birds, fish, and other forms of animal life. In many cases these side effects are not immediately apparent, but show up later; for example, in the abnormal eggs laid by birds that have fed on pesticide-treated insects. Ultimately some side effects may extend to human life as well. Using a pesticide can be compared to taking a prescription drug, in that the benefits must be weighed against the side effects. Pesticides alleviate symptoms, but do not provide a cure: they have not eliminated one insect species from the planet. In fact, extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has led to the development of genetically resistant insect and weed species that are no longer affected by some commonly used pesticides. Alternative Methods of Pest Control Chemical insecticides are a useful tool in the control of insect pests but they are not the only method available. The homeowner has a number of biological and cultural options that, from an environmental and health viewpoint, are more attractive. A rigorously followed pest management program around the home and garden will hold pest populations at a level where pesticides will seldom be required and then only as a last resort. The phrase "pest management" is intended to convey the concept of managing pest populations rather than controlling them. Pest management is a systematic approach to keeping pest populations below the economic/aesthetic injury level.
|
|
|
|
Still Can't Find What Your Looking For? Then Try a Essay Search!
|
