I thought that I would include this article for your information and attention. All agencies mentioned in this article are U.S. This is on the heels of continuing legislation to regulate pesticide use by commercial applicators and farmers. The National Home and Garden Pesticide Use Survey, conducted by the Research Triangle institute for the EPA, surveyed 2,674 households in 58 counties, from 29 states, including 2,078 household visits to gather field data. Those in the field of urban horticulture were not surprised by the survey's findings. The first surprise to EPA officials was that up to a million households still store canceled pesticide products such as DDT, chlordane, heptachlor, and silvex. This information will be used in support for requesting funding for future household hazardous waste collections. Another surprise concerned the safety of children around household pesticide products. Children under the age of five, in 47% of the households, had easy access to at least one pesticide stored less than four feet off the ground in an unlocked cabinet. Whereas households without young children, 25%, securely stores pesticides. EPA's work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission on child resistant packaging will provide welcomed and necessary packaging improvements. The next surprise regarded pesticide use around the home. The only safety precaution 60 - 90% of the survey respondents said they took when applying chemicals was washing their hands afterward. Yet, 33% or less took further precautions, such as wearing impermeable gloves, long pants or a long-sleeved shirt while handling or applying pesticides. Their personal safety is one issue. Households also scored low in the environmental safety category. Disposal of concentrated pesticides was accomplished in a variety of ways: 67% used the regular trash services; 16% used special collections; 17% either gave it away; poured it down the sink or toilet, on the street, in the gutter, sewer or on the ground. This would make most people consider promoting professional pesticide services that have to go through some minimum level of pesticide training, certification, and business licensing. This may be a future trend. It appears that 15% of American households utilized professional pesticide application services in the early 1990's. The services included either lawn and garden treatments, home-invading insect treatments or both. About half of the households were told what products were used and about safety precautions when a lawn or yard treatment was made, yet only 20% of the households were informed of the insecticide used in their homes, and only 23% were given safety precautions in reference to indoor treatments. Regulations will influence professional communications and behavior, reinforced by education through PAT (pesticide applicator training). This was taken from a Michigan State University Crop Advisory Team Alert. A newsletter to keep extension personnel, commercial applicators, and growers informed about pest problems throughout the growing seasons. This study reinforces the certified pesticide applicators opinion that the american general public is the largest abuser of pesticides. The EPA was surprised at the findings. I hope the above created some food for thought. I will appreciate any feedback. Brian Ehlert Manager, Wolf Creek Water Quality Program