Kids, why don't you go outside and play in the chlorothalonil?

Pesticide drift confirmed from some Minnesota farm fields

by Dan Gunderson, Minnesota Public Radio
May 17, 2012

MOORHEAD, Minn. — People in some Minnesota communities are routinely exposed to pesticide drift from nearby farm fields, according to a new study released Thursday. The chemical in question, a commonly used fungicide called chlorothalonil, is under increasing scrutiny.

Devices to monitor pesticide drift from nearby fields were set up for three years at 19 locations across central and north central Minnesota, including Browerville, Frazee, Perham, Pine Point, Staples and Waubun.

Chlorothalonil was found in about two-thirds of the samples. Chlorothalonil is widely used to prevent potato blight. It's also commonly used on golf courses.

Chlorothalonil is the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States. Chlorothalonil-containing products are sold under several names, including Bravo, Echo, and Daconil.

The most recent information available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture showing the amount of chemicals sold in 2009 indicates chlorothalonil sales rank just below atrazine, a common corn herbicide.

(More here.)