| Volume 9, Number 5, December 31, 1996 |
Commercial applicator/dealer pesticide schools offered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in the Spring of 1997 are listed below. For additional information or application forms, contact John H. Wilson, Jr., Department of Horticultural Science, Box 7609, N. C. State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7609 (telephone: 919-515-3113). You must apply at least one month before the date of each school to insure your reservation.
January 9-10 - Greensboro - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, Right of Way, Aquatic, and Wood Treatment.
January 28-29 - Wilmington - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, Structural PWF, and Public Health.
February 11-12 - Newton - Categories: Right of Way, Ag. Pest Plant, Ornamentals and Turf, and Forest.
March 25-26 - Charlotte - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, and Right of Way.
May 6-7 - Winston-Salem - Categories: Forest, Ag. Pest Plant, Structural PWF, and Ornamentals and Turf.
May 20-21 - Fletcher - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, Ag. Pest Plant, Aquatic, and Right of Way.
June 3-4 - Raleigh - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, Dealer, Structural PWF, and Ag. Animal-Pets.
June 24-25 - Charlotte - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, and Structural.
July 9-10 - Statesville - Categories: Ornamentals and Turf, Ag. Pest Plant, Ag. Animal-Livestock, and Right of Way.
EPA is requiring improved label directions on pesticide products (such as flea and tick dips, sprays, powders and collars) used on cats and dogs to reduce risk to pets as well as the pet owners. The new requirements include more specific use directions aimed at ensuring that pet pesticide products are used safely, reducing potential adverse effects on animals and people. Reports of adverse effects from veterinarians, consumers and manufacturers of pet pesticide products have indicated that improved labeling is necessary. EPA's revised policies reflect comments received on a draft proposal issued last year. Since that time, EPA has been working with the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association, public interest groups and other interested parties to improve the label language on these pet products. To promote safer use of these products, the following are some of the label statements that will be required on all pesticide products used on cats and dogs:
All cat and dog pesticide products released after October 1, 1998 must
include the additional statements. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,
October 18, 1996
Effective December 18, EPA granted a two-year exception which will allow
workers to hand harvest pesticide-treated roses grown in greenhouses before
the restricted entry intervals have expired. According to Roses
Incorporated, Haslett, Michigan, which made the request, without an
early-entry exception, the domestic cut-rose industry would not survive
economically. Based on written statements received from the rose industry,
on information obtained during public meetings, as well as on the Agency's
knowledge of rose production, EPA finds that the benefits of early entry over
the next two years are substantial. The Agency also believes that early
entry under the terms of the exception will not pose unreasonable risks to
rose workers. Risks for rose harvesters will be mitigated by the limited
time harvesters are allowed in the treated area, the use of personal
protection equipment that must be worn by the workers, accessible
decontamination facilities, the provision of label-specific information for
harvesters and the basic safety information that employers must present to
workers. To provide greater certainty about the potential risk to early-entry
rose workers, EPA has provided funding to the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health to conduct and evaluate the effectiveness of
the personal protective clothing in mitigating residue exposure. EPA also
expects that the rose industry will research and pilot alternative practices
which could reduce and possibly eliminate the need for early entry for rose
harvesting in greenhouses. EPA is interested in working with the rose
industry to identify specific research efforts and explore how best to
incorporate practices at individual grower establishments. The Agency
expects to meet frequently with the rose industry to discuss implementation
of the exception as well as the research efforts. The Worker Protection
Standard prohibits agricultural workers from entering pesticide-treated areas
for periods of time ranging from four to 72 or more hours (depending upon the
toxicity of the pesticide) following application. The Worker Protection
Standard is intended to reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries
among agricultural employees who may be exposed to pesticides while
performing hand-labor operations in or on farms, forests, nurseries and
greenhouses, as well as those who mix, load or apply pesticides. U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, December 20, 1996
The 1996 annual report of EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs notes that over half of the 22 new active pesticide ingredients registered in Fiscal Year 1996 are safer, reduced risk pesticides, such as biologicals. This continues a trend that began several years ago. Other major accomplishments pointed out in the 47-page report include: 27 Reregistration Eligibility Decisions, 10 Special Review completions, the near completion of plans for a new Antimicrobial Division (created to expedite the registration of antimicrobial pesticides with significant public health uses), expanded outreach and training in the Worker Protection Standard program, the establishment of a high-level Food Safety Advisory Committee to assist the Agency in implementing the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, and the addition of a significant number of partners and supporters to the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. Under the adverse effects reporting requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA received approximately 1500 submissions containing more than 9,200 incidents, such as poisonings and other health effects. EPA's analysis of this incident data results in risk reduction actions. For example, certain pet products now have improved product labels which should result in safer use. In addition, approximately 20,000 calls were received by the Pesticides Hotline (1-800-858-7378) during the year.
The 1996 annual report will soon be accessible from the EPA home page
address: http://www.epa.gov. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling
the Office of Pesticide Programs Communications Branch at 703-305-5017. U.
S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 20, 1996
Listed below are ten common infractions of pesticide laws as found by inspectors in one EPA region. The list provides some good points for pesticide training classes because it serves as a reminder of some of the simple things that can be overlooked. The points are valid for both private and commercial applicators.
Attaining familiarity with product labels, technical bulletins, state
and federal laws, and material safety data sheets, along with attention to
details are keys to avoiding common pitfalls associated with pesticide
applications. Kentucky Pest News, Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
Number 762, November 25, 1996
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has concluded that residential users and professional agricultural pesticide applicators are not reading product labels as frequently or carefully as they should. A possible solution to the problem may be talking labels.
With the assistance of a few pesticide, computer chip and battery companies, EPA's OPP has developed prototype talking labels for pesticide aerosol foggers and larger size agricultural pesticide containers. The prototype containers have embossed labels with 20 to 45-second messages recorded on battery operated computer chips. The messages are triggered and played before the product is used (i.e., when the cap is removed). The messages, in English and Spanish, include the name of the product, the message please read the label in entirety before use, and precautionary statements from the manufacturer regarding human health, physical chemical, and environmental hazards.
The idea, as conceptualized by EPA's OPP, is strictly educational and voluntary and not intended to increase the regulatory burden on pesticide manufacturers. According to an agency spokesperson, EPA will not proceed with the labels without the full cooperation, backing, and support of the manufacturers. Furthermore, the agency is seeking input from the pesticide user community, government agencies such as FDA, USDA and OSHA, and pesticide manufacturers on whether the talking product labels can work in the real world.
A survey by Nebraska agricultural engineers reported in the Fall 1994 in Chemical Application Journal that found that two out of every three pesticide applicators made significant errors in application of pesticides due to inaccurate calibration, incorrect mixing, worn equipment, and failure to read the product label. Surveys by EPA in the late 1980s and early 1990s found that a large portion of the pesticide user community does not: 1) read the label prior to application; 2) follow the directions for use (resulting in over and under application of pesticides); and 3) communicate information about the pesticide being applied in the field to agricultural workers.
Consumers of home-use pesticides often do not bother to read the product labels. Among the reasons given by an EPA spokesperson for people failing to read product labels are that some people are visually impaired, some read at only an eighth-grade level and do not understand the label, and 13% of the population is bilingual with Spanish being the preferred language.
Cost estimates provided by EPA for talking pesticide product labels
ranged from an additional $2 per can for a million products to 2 cents per can if
50 million were produced. The cost could reach $10 per five-gallon container
for agricultural use pesticides. Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News 24(51),
October 16, 1996
Pesticides can be beneficial to society. Pesticides also can be dangerous if used carelessly or if they are not stored properly and out of the reach of children. A survey done by EPA regarding pesticides used in and around the home revealed some significant findings:
Bathrooms and kitchens were cited as the areas in the home most likely to have improperly stored pesticides. Examples of common household pesticides found in bathrooms and kitchens include bleach, kitchen and bath disinfectants, flea and tick shampoos for pets, roach sprays, and insect and wasp sprays. Other household pesticides include swimming pool chemicals and weed killers.
Under FIFRA, EPA has required that most residential-use pesticides with a signal word of danger or warning have to be in child-resistant packaging. Child-resistant packaging is designed to prevent most children under the age of five from gaining access to the pesticide, or at least delay their access. Individuals must also take precautions to protect children from accidental pesticide poisonings or exposures. The following are some recommendations for preventing accidental poisoning:
If a pesticide-related emergency occurs, try to determine what the person was exposed to and what part of the body was affected before you take action, since taking the right action is as important as taking immediate action. If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having convulsions, give needed first aid immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency service. If the person does not have these symptoms, contact your local Poison Control Center, physician, or call 911 or your local emergency service and follow their directions. Have the product container with you when you call for assistance.
The following are some general first aid guidelines related to accidental poisoning:
Swallowed Poison: Induce vomiting only if directed to do so. It will depend on what the person has swallowed. Some products are caustic and will cause more damage if the person is made to vomit.
Poison in Eye: Eye membranes absorb pesticides faster than any other external part of the body. Eye damage can occur in a few minutes with some types of pesticides. If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. If possible, have someone else contact emergency services for you while the victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash water.
Poison on Skin: If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench the area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water.
Inhaled Poison: Carry or drag the victim to fresh air immediately. If you
think you need protection such as a respirator and one is not available to
you, call the Fire Department and wait for emergency equipment before
entering the area so as to not endanger yourself. Loosen victim's tight
clothing. If the victim's skin is blue or the victim has stopped breathing,
give artificial respiration and call rescue service for help. Open doors and
windows so no one else will be poisoned by the fumes. EPA Technical Release
7506C; February 1996 in Chemically Speaking, University of Florida
November 1996
Registered uses supported by UCB which are expected to be reregistered: apples, *blackberries (Special Local Needs (SLN) in OR and WA), *cherries, conifers (forest), *cranberries, *dewberries (SLN in OR and WA), grapefruit, *grapes, lemons, limes, *loganberries (SLN in OR and WA), mangoes (SLN in FL), nectarines, oranges, ornamentals (herbaceous and shrubs), peaches, pears, *raspberries (SLN in OR and WA), tangelos, tangerines, tobacco, and *youngberries (SLN in OR and WA).
* IR-4 is providing support for these registered uses.
Registered uses unsupported and expected to be canceled: apricots, beans, cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes.
For additional information contact: Mr. Dennis W. Long, UCB Chemicals Corporation, telephone: 770-801-3212, fax: 770-801-3238. Reregistration Notification Network, U. S. Department of Agriculture 6(9), October 30, 1996
The product label for 1997 remains nearly the same as for 1996, except some additional requirements have been added to the Personal Protective Equipment section for cleaners and repairers of application equipment, and information has been added to remind users not to open, cut or tear the inner water soluble bag. The rate adjustments and additional label language have been added in response to concerns about worker exposure.
Registered uses supported by DuPont which are expected to be reregistered: alfalfa, anise, apples, asparagus, avocados, barley, beans, beets, bermudagrass pastures, blueberries, broccoli, broccoli raab (Special Local Needs (SLN) in CA), brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, *chicory, chinese broccoli (SLN in CA), Chinese cabbage, collards, corn (field, pop, sweet), cotton, cucumbers, dandelions, eggplants, endive (escarole), fennel, garlic, grapes, grapefruit, horseradish, kale, lemons, lentils, lettuce, livestock premises (nonfood fly bait use of technical product), melons, mint, mustard greens, nectarines (SLN in AZ, CA, NJ, PA and WV), oats, onions, oranges, parsley, peaches, peanuts, pears, peas, pecans, peppers, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkins (SLN in CA), radishes (SLN in CA and FL), rye, sorghum, soybeans, spinach, squash (summer), strawberries, sugar beets, sweet potatoes (SLN in CA), Swiss chard, tangelos, tangerines, tobacco, tomatoes, turnip greens, turf, and wheat.
* IR-4 is providing support for this registered use.
Registered uses unsupported and expected to be canceled: none.
For additional information contact: Dr. Charles Baer, DuPont Agricultural Products, telephone: 302-992-6260, fax: 302-992-6470, E-mail: Baercs@a1.csag1.umc.dupont.com. Reregistration Notification Network, U. S. Department of Agriculture 6(9), October 30, 1996
Of 67,159 reported exposures to pesticides in 1995, 13 resulted in
fatalities and 169 in life-threatening effects, according to data collected
by poison control centers and now available through the American Association
of Poison Control Centers's (AAPCC) Toxic Exposure Surveillance System
(TESS). Organophosphates were the single largest cause of most of the calls
to poison control centers, followed by piperonyl butoxide/pyrethrins and
insect repellents, the group said. According to the information provided by
AAPCC, TESS is the only comprehensive database of actual human poison
exposure cases in the U. S. It includes case-by-case listings that describe
the age of the patient, routes of exposure, clinical effects and patient
outcome. For more information, contact Toby Litovitz or Rose Ann Soloway at
202-362-7217. Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News 25(7), December 11, 1996
Web page last updated on January 2, 1997 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
This Web version is a cooperative effort between the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the