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