Paraquat, often used as a burndown herbicide, application is changing. As part of the Paraquat Dichloride Human Health Mitigation Decision, which was released in 2017, there are four key things to know about the future of applying crop production products with paraquat:
1. Label changes emphasize paraquat toxicity and supplemental warning materials
In the U.S. since 2000, it’s reported 17 accidental deaths have been caused by ingestion of paraquat
2. Changes restrict the use of all paraquat products to only certified applicators
Noncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator are prohibited from using paraquat, including mixing, loading, applying the pesticide, and other pesticide-related activities.
3. Targeted training for paraquat users is required (this is in addition to any certified applicator training)
Proper handling and use of PPE is emphasized in the new paraquat online training.
4. Use a closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use product containers of paraquat
The last sale date for any product that does not comply to the new closed-system packaging is September 30, 2020.
The EPA-approved training is available online here. This training was developed by paraquat manufacturers and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center as part of the federal government’s 2016 risk mitigation requirements
As outlined by University of Nebraska extension, manufacturers can ship any old labeled product until November 2019. Wholesalers and retailers must sell old labeled product to be out of the marketplace by the end of 2020. Producers who currently have a supply of paraquat with old labeling are not required to complete the training but still need to exercise the same precautions, particularly with PPE.
