EPA Changes First Aid Statements for Pesticides

April 21, 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a change to the guidance on the format and content of first aid statements on all pesticide product labels. First aid information should be placed in a box using simple statements for each potential exposure.

EPA also recommends that an appropriate toll-free phone number to use in case of a medical emergency be placed close to the box that presents the first aid statements.

"Since first aid statements provide vital information to pesticide users, physicians and emergency response personnel, pesticide labels should be updated to reflect changes in medical procedures and treatment," the agency said.

Registrants are not required to revise labels or to respond to the notice now, but EPA will begin using the guidance immediately and expects that registrants of existing products will revise their labels accordingly. The agency wants product labels revised by Oct. 1, 2001.

For the entire notice, go to the Internet address http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/PR_Notices/pr2000-3.pdf