research overview
- Development, maintenance and enhancement of a New York State pesticide sales and use reporting database and associated databases are being undertaken by the Pesticide Sales and Use Reporting Database Group (Entomology) at Cornell University, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) as a result of legislation passed in 1996. A database and website (http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/) have been developed that allow for public access to commercial pesticide use and sales within New York State. The data provide regulators and researchers with more accurate assessments of pesticide use. Data can be used in future bio-marker studies to assess possible/potential pesticide exposure effects in humans. Associated databases that track certified pesticide applicators, registered businesses and commercial permit holders (those selling restricted use pesticides), pesticides applied to aquatic areas, and registered pesticide products in New York State have also been developed and are continually being enhanced and maintained.