Massachusetts Department of Food & Agriculture:: Pesticide Bureau - Frequently Asked Questions

	Pesticide Bureau FAQ
	Table of Contents How do I know what the long term effects of pesticides may be ? Where can I find information on storage of pesticides? Are pesticides safe? Who regulates pesticide use in Massachusetts ? Why do I need an applicator's license? Do people who use pesticides need any special training or license? I have a private well located along a "Right of Way". How do I notify those who maintain the Right of Way about my well ? Can people be prenotified before a neighbor, landlord or nearby business plans to use pesticides? Where must I place the posting sign to inform those who may be entering treated area that a pesticide application has taken place? When completing my annual use report: What can people do to protect themselves and their families from pesticides?
	1. How do I know what the long term effects of pesticides may be ? Pesticide producers are required to study the effects of pesticides on animals. Since laboratory animals, not humans, are used for these toxicity studies, it is difficult to predict all possible long term effects on people. In addition, there may be certain individuals,with pre-existing diseases for example, that are more sensitive to the effects of a pesticide product than others. Contact: Steve AntunesKenyon, 617- 626-1784, Steve.Kenyon@state.ma.us Back to Top 2. Where can I find information on storage of pesticides? The bureau has produced a series of guidelines for the mixing, loading and storage of pesticides. Contact: Gerard Kennedy, 617-626-1773, Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us Back to Top 3. Are pesticides safe? No. Pesticides are by their very nature designed to be toxic and must always be used with caution and according to label instructions and warnings. Pesticides products applied without regard to label instructions and warnings may result in harm to people, pets and wildlife. Proper disposal of unused pesticides is also very important. Improper disposal may lead to contamination of lakes, rivers and groundwater. Contact: Steve Antunes Kenyon, 617- 626-1784, Steve.Kenyon@state.ma.us Contact: Lee Corte-Real, 617-626-1776 Lee.Corte-Real@state.ma.us Back to Top 4. Who regulates pesticide use in Massachusetts ? Any pesticide product sold in Massachusetts must pass through the registration process mandated by the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act. Under this law, a subcommittee is formed to register all pesticides in Massachusetts. The subcommittee consists of members of the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Public Health, Division of Food and Drug, the Department of Environmental Management and a selected commercial applicator. Most subcommittee meetings are open to the public. Contact: Susan Reed, 617-626-1778 Susan.Reed@state.ma.us Back to Top 5. Why do I need an applicators license? By law, you must be licensed to apply pesticides for compensation on someone else's property. Pollution liability insurance is also required. The Pesticide Bureau carries out the day to day responsibilites of regulating pesticide applicators. Contact: Lee Corte-Real, 617-626-1776 Lee.Corte-Real@state.ma.us Back to Top 6. Do people who use pesticides need any special training or license? Yes. To protect people and the environment, the Massachusetts Pesticide Law requires all pesticide applicators to know basic safety and handling rules for pesticide use. Applicators demonstrate this knowledge by taking and passing a written state examination. In addition to learning about pesticide laws and regulations, toxicity, safety and label comprehension, the study and training process encourage applicators to use Integrated Pest Management or IPM which emphasizes biological and cultural pest control techniques with the selective use of pesticides. Recertification credits, for RUPs, must take exams specific to the crop or setting in which they will be applying pesticides. Contact: Mark Buffone, 617-626-1777, Mark.Buffone@state.ma.us Back to Top 7. I have a private well located along a "Right of Way". How do I notify those who maintain the Right of Way about my well ? Supply the following information to the Pesticide Bureau Rights of Way Coordinator: Owner Name Street Number and Town Location Depth of Well Installation Date Distance in feet from wellhead to the edge of the Right of Way Contact: Michael McClean, 617-626-1783, Michael.McClean@state.ma.us Back to Top 8. Can people be prenotified before a neighbor, landlord or nearby business plans to use pesticides? Lawn Care: Prenotification currently applies to "contracting entity" if entity requests notification. Does not apply to neighbors. In practice, applicators/ companies are very willing to prenotify neighbors when they have been told that such notice is wanted. Postings: signs must be posted at principal entrances to treated area warning about the application. Signs include company name and phone number. 13. 07 (1) (b). Indoor Settings: General: Applicators are required to inform anyone occupying a space about a pending application prior to making the application and recommend that they leave the area. Private Residential: Prior to application, contracting entity must be given written information regarding the application, safety, precautions etc. 13.10 (3) (a) (1,2) Multiple Residences: Tenants must be pre-notified seven days to forty eight hours prior to application giving the following information: information as above name and number of company purpose of application names EPA Registration number of potential pesticides to be used proposed time and date of application. 13.10 (3) (b) Public Buildings (including schools): Prior to making the application a notice must be posted at the entrance to the room or area to be treated regarding the pesticide application. Notice must give the date, company name and how to obtain information regarding the application. 13.10(3)(c)(2). Applicators must give, upon request, information regarding previously made applications. 13.10 (3)(c)(3) Applicators must give, upon request, prenotification regarding the date of the next treatment, locations to be treated and potential pesticides to be used. 13.10 (3)(c)(3)(d). Agriculture: Worker Protection Standards require that workers be prenotified regarding all pesticide applications being made on the agricultural facility, giving locations, pesticides and active ingredients. Signs posted at entrances to fields 24 hours prior to application and kept posted up to three days following Restricted Entry Interval (REI) period. 13.03 (6). Restricted Use Pesticides with Danger on the label must have a posting at any site within fifty feet of a public way, at every principal entrance and every 200 feet along the edge of the treated land facing the public way. Posting prior to application but no more than 24 hours. 13.03 (19) et al. Aerial: Signs posted for any site within 500 feet of a protected area for any aerial applied pesticide at principal entrances and every 200 feet along the edge facing the protected area. Signs must be posted at least ten hours prior to application. 13.05 (3) (h) et al Rights of Way: Yearly Operational Plan Public notice given to Mayors, Board of Health, Conservation Commissions etc 21 days prior to applications Back to Top 9. Where must I place the posting sign to inform those who may be entering the treated area that a pesticide application has taken place? For landscaping: the sign must be placed at the primary entrance to the area. If there is more than one entrance (eg. a condominium complex), then several signs must be used. For structural pest control the sign must be placed at the major entrance to the treated area. If an application was done in the laundry area, then a sign must be on the door to the laundry area, not on the door to the building. Back to Top 10. When completing my annual use report: Do I have to put down a Employer Name/ Address if I am self employed? For the Use Report to be properly entered for all applicators, an Employer Name and Address must be entered. What needs to be reported? All pesticides used (NOT purchased) during the past application year. Do I have to submit an individual form or can my company submit one for me? Your employer may submit your use report for you. However, you should make sure that you have a copy of the submitted form for your records. I cannot find the EPA Registration number on my product. What can I do? First, be sure to carefully check the front and back label of the product. If you cannot find it there, call the manufacturer at the point of purchase for assistance. Contact: Susan Reed, 617-626-1778 Susan.Reed@state.ma.us Back to Top 11. What can people do to protect themselves and their families from pesticides? Minimizing exposure to pesticides is the best way to protect oneself from these chemicals. Store all pesticide products out of the reach of children. Read and follow all label directions and warnings carefully and use personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. The bureau is working on developing guidelines for pesticide users, including homeowners, on correct handling and storage of pesticides. Back to Top
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