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E.P.A. Suggests Stronger Requirements for People Applying the Pesticides with the Greatest Risk/ Improved training and minimum age requirements for certified applicators will help protect people and the environment.

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Category: Agriculture
Type: News
Source: EPA
Date: Wednesday, August 5th, 2015


Washington- Today, the E.P.A. (EPA) is proposing stronger requirements for pesticide applicators who apply "restricted-use" pesticides. These pesticides are not accessible 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.

"We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families, said Jim Jones, E.P.A. Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "By improving training and certification, those who apply these restricted use pesticides will have better knowledge and ability to use these pesticides safely."

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.

E.P.A. is proposing stricter requirements for people certified to use restricted use pesticides and to require all people who apply restricted use pesticides to be at least 18 years old. Certifications would have to be renewed every three years.

E.P.A. is proposing additional specialized licensing for certain methods of application that can pose greater risks if not conducted properly, such as fumigation and aerial application. For further protection, those working under the supervision of certified applicators would now need training on using pesticides safely and protecting their families from take-home pesticide exposure.

State agencies issue licenses to pesticide applicators who need to demonstrate under an EPA-approved plan their ability to use these products safely. The suggested revisions would reduce the burden on applicators and pest control companies that work across state lines. The suggestion promotes consistency across state programs by encouraging inter-state recognition of licenses.

The suggestion also updates the requirements for States, Tribes, and Federal agencies that administer their own certification programs to incorporate the strengthened standards. Many states already have in place some or many of EPA's suggested changes. The suggested changes would raise the bar nationally to a level that most states have already achieved. The estimated benefits of $80.5 million would be due to fewer acute pesticide incidents to people.

E.P.A. encourages public review on the suggested improvements. The 90 day public review period will begin when the suggestion is published in the Federal Register.

A copy of the suggestion and more information about certification for pesticide applicators: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/epa-proposes-stronger-standards-people-applying-riskiest-pesticides

To review on the suggested changes, visit http://www.regulations.gov and search for docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183 after publication in the federal register.


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