The liquid herbicide paraquat is widely used throughout North America as an effective herbicide and pre-harvest crop defoliant, but can be fatal if accidentally ingested in small quantities as well as cause eye damage and irritation to skin.
 
So, in response to the serious risks associated with paraquat, the EPA has already pursued significant manufacturer labeling and training changes. Now, for growers, the next step in the process is to address changes required to safely dispense the restricted-use pesticide. Consequently, it is urgent that growers quickly get up to speed on what the EPA has mandated in terms of new closed transfer systems required to safely dispense the restricted-use pesticide.
 
“There are some big changes in the EPA’s rules for paraquat use, and growers need to understand and follow them to remain in compliance,” says Kerry Richards, Ph.D., Director of Delaware’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. “Otherwise, there could be some hefty fines.”
 
By September 2020, new container standards for paraquat will take effect, with “closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use product containers of paraquat,” according to the EPA.

 

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