PESTICIDES LINGER CAUSING SMOG January 29, 1999 (Environmental News Service) Pesticides used in California fields can cause smog in agricultural regions of the state, according to a report released recently by the Environmental Working Group and Californians for Pesticide Reform. After application, pesticides give off large quantities of reactive organic gases (ROGs), also known as volatile organic compounds, which contribute to formation of smog and which can also cause cancer, birth defects, nerve damage and kidney and heart disease. Approximately 98.9 million pounds of ROGs are emitted from pesticides each year in California - nearly four times the total ROG emissions from petroleum refining, and more than double the ROG emissions from all other industrial sources. According to the Pesticide Action Network, for hours and even days after application, pesticide formulations can evaporate from the soil and vegetation, emitting more chemicals into the air and possibly leading to continued exposure for farmworkers and nearby residents.
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