E.P.A. Extends Review Period for Suggested New Safety Measures to Protect Farm Workers from Pesticide Exposure

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. (EPA) is extending the review period for the suggested revisions to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard for an additional 60 days, until August 18, 2014, in response to requests from growers, industry, farmworker advocates and states for additional time to provide input.

"The opportunity to revise the rule may not come again for some time, so we are committed to getting it right," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Updating the 20-year old regulation to provide more protections to the nation's 2 million farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure is a priority for EPA."

The suggested changes provide significant enhancements to worker training regarding the safe use of pesticides, including how to prevent and effectively treat pesticide exposure. Increased training from every 5 years to every year and signage would help farmworkers protect themselves and their families from pesticide exposure.

Workers and others near treated fields would be better protected from pesticide overspray and fumes. In addition, the E.P.A. has suggested that children under 16 be legally barred from handling all pesticides. These revisions protect workers while ensuring agricultural productivity and preserving the traditions of and exemptions for family members working on family farms.

To learn more and provide comments in English and Spanish:

http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html

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