Pesticides in a historical perspective

Countermeasures implemented but use still great

Because modern pesticides also pose a risk to the environment and health there has been a public campaign to decrease the use of pesticides since the 1980s. Today aerial spraying is banned and some of the phenoxy acids are no longer in use. Swedish law has been tightened as regards the requirements on the substances that are approved and how these may be used. Farmers must undergo special training in the use of pesticides. There are also requirements on the equipment used for applying pesticides.

The cost of pesticides has increased through fees and taxes and the amount of pesticides sold has steadily decreased. However, due to the fact that the products sold today are effective at lower concentrations, a smaller dose can be sufficient to treat the same area as before. Contrary to expectations, the area treated by pesticides has not decreased significantly. There is a constant stream of new pesticides coming onto the market, while older types are disappearing. Even though the risk of being exposed to high concentrations of pesticides has decreased, it is important to monitor the final destination of these chemicals, both old and new.