- Author: Lauren Fordyce
If you've used disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces in your home, an herbicide to control weeds in your garden, or insect repellents while on a hike, then you have used a pesticide. A pesticide is any material (natural, organic, synthetic, or even homemade remedies) that is used to control, prevent, kill, or repel a pest. Pesticides are designed to be toxic against certain pests like weeds, insects, or bacteria. But when they are not used properly, pesticides can also be toxic to people and pets, and harm the environment including water quality, pollinators, and natural enemies.
February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about pesticide safety. Keeping yourself, your family, and the environment safe from pesticides starts with reading and understanding the pesticide label. Below are some key things to look for and follow on the label.
- Where can you use it? Some pesticides can be used on both edible and ornamental plants, indoors and outside. But other pesticides may explicitly state that they should not be used indoors, on edible plants, etc. Always be sure the label states that it can be used where you intend to use it.
- Signal words. The signal words Danger, Warning, or Caution on a pesticide label indicate the immediate (acute) toxicity of a single exposure of the pesticide to humans. Pesticides with the signal word Danger are the most toxic. Look for products with the signal word Caution, as these pose less risk of toxicity.
- What should you wear to protect yourself? When handling most pesticides, you should usually wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants, closed-toe shoes, eye protection, and chemical resistant gloves (not gardening gloves). This prevents you from being exposed to the pesticide through your skin, eyes, lungs, or mouth. For some other pesticides, like insect repellents you apply to your skin, read and follow the label for specific instructions.
- How long after applying can you enter the treated area? For many home-use pesticides, you can enter the treated area when the pesticide has dried. Entering an area where the pesticide is still wet can expose you to those chemicals. Some pesticide products may state that you must wait a certain number of hours before reentering the area.
- When can you harvest treated produce? If you applied a pesticide to your edible plants it's important to know when it is safe to harvest and consume them. Many pesticides can be applied to edible crops up until the day of harvest, but some pesticides may require days or weeks to pass before it is safe to do so.
- How should you store the pesticide? Pesticides should always be stored in their original container with the lid tightly sealed, in a locked storage cabinet where children cannot access them. Improper pesticide storage can lead to exposure incidents, such as a child drinking a pesticide or spilling it on yourself.
Following the pesticide label can prevent unintentional pesticide exposure to people and pets. To prevent harm to the environment, you should also follow these general guidelines:
- Don't apply pesticides in rainy or windy weather. If it is actively raining and windy, or rain is expected, hold off on applying the pesticide. Applying during rainy or windy weather can cause the pesticide to be washed away, polluting stormwater and waterways. It can also cause drift, which is when pesticide droplets or dust move through the air. Drift can harm nearby plants, bodies of water, or people.
- Don't spray plants in bloom. Protect pollinators and natural enemies (good bugs) that feed on pollen and nectar by not spraying flowering plants.
- Dispose of pesticides at your local household hazardous waste (HHW) site. Pesticide containers that are partially or entirely filled should be taken to a HHW site to prevent environmental contamination. Empty, rinsed pesticide containers can be disposed of in the garbage or recycled if accepted in your area.
Happy National Pesticide Safety Education Month. Visit Pest Notes: Pesticides: Safe and Effective Use in the Home and Landscape to learn more about pesticide use and safety.
- Author: Lisa A Blecker
- Author: A. Katrina Hunter
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Public concern regarding the risk of illness from long-term exposure to glyphosate is on the rise. In order to reduce exposure to this common herbicide, or any other pesticide, it's important that applicators wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE), not only for personal safety, but also to comply with California regulations.
Signal words and glyphosate
Pesticide labels contain a signal word, which describes the effects of acute or immediate toxicity from unprotected exposure to the chemical. Signal words are CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, and DANGER-POISON (see the Spring 2019 issue of the retail newsletter for more http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PDF/PUBS/Spring_2019_Retail_Newsletter.pdf).
Most commercial glyphosate products have the signal word “CAUTION,” which indicates the chemical can cause moderate eye irritation, is harmful if inhaled, and to avoid contact with eyes and clothing and breathing in the vapor from spray mist.
Some glyphosate products may have the signal word “WARNING” on the label and advise against contact with eyes or clothing because the product can cause substantial but temporary eye injury including other adverse reactions.
While pesticide labels do not warn against specific chronic health issues associated with their use, PPE, safe handling procedures, and pesticide label instructions reduce long-term or chronic pesticide handler health risks. According to the Agricultural Health Study, chemical-resistant gloves can reduce pesticide exposure between 50 to 80 percent. For more information specific to glyphosate, see this blog post.
What are the California regulations?
California pesticide safety regulation for PPE is often stricter than the requirements of the federal pesticide label, mandating at a minimum that protective eyewear and chemical-resistant gloves are worn by licensed applicators, even if they are not mentioned on the federal pesticide label and regardless of the product signal word.
These state requirements for protective eyewear and chemical-resistant gloves for handlers are detailed in the California Code of Regulation Section 6738.1 and were adopted by the state more than three decades ago.
In the most recent pesticide injury illness report from 2015, there are 8 cases of handler pesticide illness due to glyphosate. Two of these cases were eye injuries from failure to wear the appropriate PPE in applying glyphosate by itself or in combination with other products, according to a California Pesticide Illness Surveillance Program review.
According to a 2013 review of the previous decade from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR), on average, 1 in 3 reports of pesticide illness involving poisoning or skin injury is due to handler failure to wear the appropriate PPE.
It is clear that selecting the appropriate PPE and wearing it correctly reduces the risk of pesticide-related illness. If you do not have access to the right PPE, notify your employer of any equipment issue that interferes with following the requirements on the label and the minimum state requirements for PPE.
PPE for glyphosate handlers
For anyglyphosate products that have a “WARNING” label, coveralls are required in California, even if it is not required by the label. This rule applies to all products labeled as “WARNING” or “DANGER” in California, not just those containing glyphosate.
When using backpack sprayers that are known to leak during an application, consider wearing coveralls for glyphosate products rated “CAUTION.”
Eyewear: Handlers must wear the type of eyewear that is specified by the pesticide product labeling. If the label does not specify that eyewear is required, handlers can choose to wear either a face shield, goggles, or safety glasses that provide front, side, and brow protection.
All types of protective eyewear must be labeled “Z87.1” or “Z87+” to indicate that it meets the 2010 American National Standards Institute standard for impact resistance. This is done using permanent, raised lettering (Figure 1) and indicates that the manufacturer certifies that its eyewear meets the defined baseline of protection.
Gloves: If the label does not specify that gloves are required, or if it only states that chemical-resistant or waterproof gloves are required, handlers can choose to wear gloves of any chemical-resistant material, provided they are the appropriate thickness of 14 mils or greater.The California Department of Pesticide Regulation developed a wallet-sized Glove Category Selection Key (Figure 2) to help label readers identify the correct glove material for their situation.
The PPE listed under the precautionary statements of the pesticide label provide a barrier between your body and the pesticide. Remember to read and follow equipment requirements on all labels including complying with the minimum PPE requirements in California to protect yourself from the unwanted effects of acute and chronic exposure.
[Original article published in the Fall 2019 issue of the Green Bulletin.]
/h2>/h2>/h2>UC ANR's charge is research and extension and we provide guidance about how to manage weeds using registered pesticides and by non-chemical methods. UC ANR includes information in its publications on how to effectively and safely use glyphosate where it is legal to do so as well as provide options for alternative chemical and non-chemical approaches for managing weeds.
UC ANR recognizes that the use of any pesticide carries risks, including in some cases the possibility of acute (immediate), chronic (long term) or carcinogenic effects, to those who may be exposed to them. This is true of any pesticide, which includes herbicides such as glyphosate.
UC ANR has not specifically addressed carcinogenicity or other health issues related to glyphosate; these are areas of active research, data interpretation, and debate over inferences, conclusions, and courses of action in the scientific community and regulatory bodies as well as in the public discourse. However, to date, regulatory agencies in the United States have not significantly changed the legal uses of glyphosate herbicides.
What is risk? The specific risk of a pesticide are a function of both hazard (toxicity) and exposure; the risks from more hazardous materials can often be reduced by minimizing exposure (e.g. strictly following the directions on the label, using proper personal protective equipment, and using appropriate application methods). Conversely, high exposure levels (e.g. large concentrations, frequent exposure, long-term exposure) to a relatively lower hazard material has the potential to increase health risks.
How toxic is glyphosate? Glyphosate has been placed in Toxicity Category III by the US EPA. Toxicity Category I indicates the highest degree of acute toxicity, and Category IV, the lowest. People may become exposed to glyphosate and other pesticides directly by getting it on their skin or in their eyes or indirectly through environmental contamination such as food and water contamination. Applicators must follow label instructions with regard to personal protective equipment (PPE). Whether or not specifically required by the product label, wearing long pants, closed toed shoes, chemical resistant gloves, and protective eye wear will reduce the risk of glyphosate exposure. Even if chemical-resistant gloves are worn, people should always wash their hands after applying pesticides, and before activities such as eating, smoking, or using the restroom. Most glyphosate products available for the homeowner indicate on the label that people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried.
Other groups such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also examined the scientific literature on glyphosate. The joint FAO/WHO report concluded that glyphosate alone or in a formulation is unlikely to cause a carcinogenic risk to humans from exposure in the diet. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the regulatory agency that determines how pesticides may be used legally in the U.S. also concluded that it is not likely a cancer risk.
Weeds can have negative impacts on agriculture, public health, natural resources, and our economy. Likewise, pest control practices also have a range of potential impacts and outcomes. UC ANR promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including cultural and mechanical practices, and herbicides when needed. If glyphosate or any other herbicide is used to manage weeds, the pesticide label must be followed to ensure these products are used safely and legally for minimal exposure to applicators, non-target organisms, and our environment. For more information about weed management practices and the safe and effective use of pesticides, visit the UC IPM website.
For detailed information about glyphosate or any other pesticide, visit the National Pesticide Information Center website at or call 1-800-858-7378 Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The National Pesticide Information Center provides objective, science-based answers to questions about pesticides.
--Developed by a team of UC ANR Advisors and Specialists with expertise in weed science. For more information: Please contact UC ANR Strategic Communications at http://anrcs.ucanr.edu/Strategic_Communications/
For a print-friendly version of this article, visit https://ucanr.edu/files/304117.pdf.
[Article originally published as "Addressing the Science Surrounding Glyphosate" in the Summer 2019 issue of the Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM Newsletter.]
- Author: Niamh Quinn
Rodenticides continue to come under scrutiny in California due to issues surrounding the potential for nontarget injury to wildlife and pets. While California already has the strictest rodenticide laws and regulations in the country, there have been recent calls to ban all rodenticide applications in the state. Several Assembly Bills (AB 2596, AB 1687, and AB 2422) have been introduced proposing either bans or major restrictions on rodenticide applications.
Anticoagulant rodenticides have been detected in many species of wildlife worldwide; yet the origins, exposure pathways, and effects of these exposures are not well understood. The origins of these rodenticide exposures from point of application to point of acquisition are being studied by a collaborative group from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and California State University, Fullerton.
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR) are important public health tools used for the quick and effective knockdown of rodent infestations in urban areas. Unfortunately, SGARs are regularly detected in many species of wildlife, perhaps because top-level carnivores and birds of prey are thought to prey on rodents that have been exposed to these rodenticides. However, while urban carnivores like coyotes are often found (postmortem) to have been exposed to both first generation anticoagulant rodenticides and SGARs, they are not known to consume rats and mice in large quantities.
To determine what coyotes eat and potential sources of rodenticide exposure, the research group is investigating the stomach contents of urban coyotes in southern California. While the study is only one third complete, stomach content observations have already revealed that coyotes consume more cats than rats, and their preferred mammalian food source is, in fact, rabbit.
The study will continue until the contents of 300 urban coyote stomachs have been examined. The research group will also determine what mammalian species are in the stomach by doing molecular analyses. The group hopes that once they have a clear and accurate picture of the diet of this urban carnivore in southern CA, they will have a better idea about potential sources of rodenticide exposure.
The research group is also investigating how animals interact with nontoxic bait stations in the backyards of Orange County urban residents. With the help of the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County, the research group will examine whether the animals access the bait or physically interact with a bait station in a way that may cause the bait to become dislodged as well as other potential exposure issues. The study is still in its infancy, however, and many animals ranging from mice to bobcats have been detected already. Despite the range of stations visitors, the only animals so far observed to enter bait stations to access the nontoxic bait were rats and mice.
Within urban pest management programs, it is crucial that we determine the potential routes of wildlife exposure to pesticides so that public health can be protected while limiting negative impacts on the environment.
- Author: Cheryl Reynolds
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. If you work in agricultural, turf, landscape, or structural settings, you are probably at your busiest. If you handle pesticides as part of your work, you most likely wear some sort of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, do you know if you are wearing the right type for the job that you do? Wearing the appropriate PPE, taking it off the right way, and correctly cleaning it prevents unnecessary pesticide exposure to yourself and others.
Learn the steps so you don't expose your family members or those around you to pesticide residues by viewing a brand new online course on Proper Selection, Use, and Removal of Personal Protective Equipment from the UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM).
The course is approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for 1.5 hours in the Laws and Regulations category. This course is designed for all pesticide handlers with the goal to provide them with information on pesticide labels and the California Code of Regulations (CCR) to help them select, wear, remove, and dispose of or store PPE.
In California, all pesticide handlers (applicators, mixers, loaders, those who transport pesticides, or those who fix application equipment) are legally required to wear PPE. However, in order to get the most protection from PPE, it must be used correctly. Violations involving the incorrect use of PPE were the second most commonly reported type of agricultural-use violation in 2017 as reported by DPR (PDF).
The new PPE online course opens with a scenario describing a real example of an accident reported to DPR that led to an incident of pesticide exposure because the correct eye protection was not worn. The content that follows is divided into six instructional modules, highlighting types of PPE, how to select it, and when certain items should be worn. Answer short questions about the different types of PPE. Open pesticide labels to learn how to select the right PPE and learn when certain items should be worn. Short how-to videos and animated sequences demonstrate the proper way to put on or remove items such as gloves, coveralls, respirators, and eyewear. You must pass a final test with 70% or higher to receive your certificate of completion and continuing education hours.
If this is the year to renew your license with DPR, get a jumpstart on it. Take this new course and all the other UC IPM online courses to refresh your knowledge and get the CEUs you need. There is a $30 fee for taking Proper Selection, Use, and Removal of Personal Protective Equipment. You are welcome to view the content for free on YouTube, but without the activities, final exam, and continuing education credit. For more information about license renewal, visit DPR.