EPA proposes stronger standards for applicators of restricted use pesticides
August 05, 2015 |07:50 PM
The Environmental Protection Agency announced today it will propose that people who apply “restricted use” pesticides will have to be 18 years of age and undergo more training than in the past.
“These pesticides are not available for purchase by the general public, require special handling, and may only be applied by a certified applicator or someone working under his or her direct supervision,” the agency said in an advisory to reporters.
“The goal of today’s action is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of toxic pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states. Pesticide use would be safer with increased supervision and oversight,” the agency added.
The impact on agriculture is unclear.
In a call to reporters, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Jim Jones said that fumigation of strawberry fields would be affected, but gave no other examples of agricultural situations.
Aerial applicators who apply restricted use pesticides would also come under the new rules.
Jones said the rules had not been updated since 1974.
Jones said there is a small overlap with the proposed rule to manage farm worker use of pesticides.
Under the farm worker rule, workers who apply general pesticides must be 16. Under the restricted use rule, a farm worker would have to be 18 to apply a restricted use pesticide.
“These pesticides are not available for purchase by the general public, require special handling, and may only be applied by a certified applicator or someone working under his or her direct supervision,” the agency said in an advisory to reporters.
“The goal of today’s action is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of toxic pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states. Pesticide use would be safer with increased supervision and oversight,” the agency added.
The impact on agriculture is unclear.
In a call to reporters, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Jim Jones said that fumigation of strawberry fields would be affected, but gave no other examples of agricultural situations.
Aerial applicators who apply restricted use pesticides would also come under the new rules.
Jones said the rules had not been updated since 1974.
Jones said there is a small overlap with the proposed rule to manage farm worker use of pesticides.
Under the farm worker rule, workers who apply general pesticides must be 16. Under the restricted use rule, a farm worker would have to be 18 to apply a restricted use pesticide.
