PESTICIDE ABUSE - NEUROTOXINS MADE TO ALTER NERVE FUNCTION/KILL

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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 12:23:31 -0500

From: Borst <peterborst@...>

Subject: Re: Pesticide abuse

A survey by Nebraska agriculture engineers reported in fall 1994 in

Chemical Application Journal that found that two out of every three

pesticide applicators were making significant application errors the result

of inaccurate calibration, incorrect mixing, worn equipment and failure to

read the product label. According to the article by Larry Reichenberger,

" The Billion-Dollar Blunder, " these mistakes in application were costing

farmers from $2 to $12 per acre in added chemical expense, potential crop

damage and threatened weed competition.

The findings were bolstered by EPA's own surveys in the late 1980's and

early 1990's, particularly in Region VI, that found that a large portion of

the pesticide user community does not: 1) read the label prior to

applications, 2) follow the directions for use, resulting in both over and

under application of pesticides, and 3) communicate information about the

pesticide being applied in the agricultural field to workers. Dye said that

OPP reviews and issues approximately 3,500 pesticide label amendments per

year, and that if users are not reading the labels, which she said was a

special problem with products they are familiar with, they may be missing

important new safety information.

.. . .

A 1994 study of pesticide labels published in the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN

OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION found that it requires an 11th-grade cognitive

reading level to understand a pesticide label, which means that 40 to 50

percent of the general population cannot read and understand the directions

on a pesticide product label, even if all members of the public had the

necessary 20/30 visual acuity to read the fine print.

.. . .

Ten Common Pesticide Infractions

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.

1.Invalid business or applicator license - Do you know where your card is?

If so, check the expiration date. If not, well ...

2.Label violation - This includes the use of a product on plants (or sites)

no longer supported by the label or not following label instructions. For

example, the labels for many pesticides have been changed over the past 4

to 5 years as a result of the EPA's reregistration program. Consequently,

many uses for products, such as diazinon and malathion, have been

eliminated. Some applicators may continue to buy and use products on plants

(sites) that are no longer on the label. Reading the label before purchase

and use is imperative.

3.Improper mixing - Read compatibility statements and other directions

carefully. Problems here can be due to prohibited tank mixes that cause

interactions. There can be plant reactions from combinations of certain

classes of pesticides that are applied days, or even weeks, apart.

4.Failure to survey the site before applying a pesticide - This can range

from overlooking or forgetting a sinkhole in a field to accidental spraying

of a pet's water bowl or children's toys by a lawn care applicator.

5.Poor preparation for spills or other emergencies - How many application

rigs carry some soap, water, disposable towels, and an eyewash kit? Worker

protection standards now are very specific about providing decontamination

materials. Applicators should be familiar with how to handle spills of the

pesticides they are transporting or applying.

6.Drift complaints - Particle and/or vapor drift can result in off-target

movement of a pesticide. Knowledge of product characteristics and attention

to environmental conditions such as wind speeds or inversions will reduce

the potential for problems. Be aware of sensitive nearby crops or plants.

7.Incomplete or missing records - Private and commercial applicators must

keep appropriate records of pesticide applications. Dealers who sell

restricted use pesticides also must maintain records that contain specific.

information about products and purchasers.

8.Spray tank not properly cleaned; applicator not familiar with tank's

history - This can lead to crop damage or illegal residues. Purchase of

used spray equipment should include determining the types of products that

had been applied by the previous owner. Solvents in some EC formulations

can serve as tank cleaners. This can result in inadvertent crop injury by

the new owner.

9.Applicator makes erroneous product safety claims - While there could be

cases of overselling a product, lack of familiarity with the label may be a

major reason for unrealistic claims. Read beyond just the crop and rate

information. Look critically for cautions or warnings, such as crop or

variety sensitivity or effects of specific weather conditions on

applications or product efficacy.

10.Failure to use required personal protective equipment - Requirements are

spelled out now and may even require specific types of gloves or spray

suits. Use quality equipment, and keep it clean and functional. Replace it

as needed.

<A HREF= " http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/document/labels/infractn.htm " >

http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/document/labels/infractn.htm</A>