The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

EPA Orders Measures to Protect Paraquat Applicators and the Public

Due to increased human health concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final decision regarding pesticide products containing the herbicide active ingredient, paraquat. In summary, EPA has ordered the following measures to adequately protect applicators and the public:

1. Label changes emphasizing paraquat toxicity.

2. Restricting use of paraquat products to certified applicators only.

3. Closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (< 120 gallon) end use containers of paraquat.

4. Mandatory EPA approved paraquat training for all individuals mixing, loading or applying paraquat.

As part of these requirements, paraquat products purchased with new label language, including mandatory paraquat trainings, must attend an EPA approved paraquat training prior to mixing, loading or applying. All paraquat labels distributed by manufacturers are expected to include a link to the training by the fall of 2019.

An online paraquat training, created by pesticide manufacturers and approved by the EPA, is available online at https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=1660. The training provides information about paraquat toxicity, personal protective equipment, new label requirements, restrictions, and the consequences of misuse. Applicators must print out certificates online and retain for their own records. In addition, the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) will also retain certification records.

Additional paraquat information can be found on the EPA website. For additional paraquat regulatory information contact a Montana Department of Agriculture field agent or Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist (406-994-5067; ctharp@montana.edu) with general paraquat questions.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.