Worker reentry safety. III. Viewpoint and program of the Environmental Protection Agency

Abstract

It has long been recognized that many pesticide products present a potential hazard, and that use of such products without adherence to label warnings, precautions, and directions may result in actual injury. Concern for the protection of all persons, including farm workers, who might be exposed to pesticides during and after application has been an integral part of the FIFRA registration process for many years and restrictions against workers entering treated fields have been required for many pesticide products. These restrictions range from label requirements specifying a permissible field reentry time to requirements for protective clothing and warnings against exposing workers to the risks posed by pesticides. Since pesticide products on the market vary widely in toxicity, uses, and formulations, label requirements by EPA have been established largely on a chemical and crop basis.