Air quality is measured for the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere, either indoors or out. Pesticides in agriculture and urban settings have the potential to contaminate our air, affecting human, animal and plant health. Some pesticide ingredients stay in the atmosphere for only a short period of time, while others can last longer. Pesticides released into the air can settle to the ground, be broken down by sunlight and water in the atmosphere or dissipate into the surrounding air.
The most common ways that these harmful chemicals get into our air are from the application of pesticides in or around homes, schools, parks, buildings or on farms, especially from pesticide drift. Pesticide drift is when pesticides unintentionally move from the application site. Drift is more likely to occur with fumigants (gasses), dusts or when liquid pesticides are applied as a very fine mist. Drift is also more likely to occur on windy days and when temperatures are very high. EPA and other agencies monitor air quality and regulate emissions.
Read on to learn more about outdoor air and pesticides.