But although Epstein recognizes the potential seriousness of these symptoms, he is more concerned about the long term ill-effects of pesticides. That's a high level of exposure to a number of chemical agents that produce delayed effects, such as birth defects, neurological disorders and cancer. That means testing and approving any new product on the market. But because many golf course pesticides predate 1970, they were granted exemptions from extensive testing for EPA approval. Golf course superintendents also have their hands full with the pesticide issue.
Some courses forbid spraying when members are playing.
They'll close one day each week to apply the pesticides. Most pesticides and fertilizers used on golf courses are quite tame, and the people applying them are professionals. The USGA is studying alternative methods of pest control, as are some local golf superintendent groups. We have no economic interest in using chemicals if we don't have to. We're looking at ways to integrate pest management by using less water with safer chemicals.