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tractor spraying crops in the field

Paraquat dichloride is an active ingredient in many pesticide products that people use in agricultural and non-agricultural areas. Also known as paraquat, this ingredient is extremely deadly if ingested or improperly used. In most cases, a single sip can be fatal.

In order to use products with this ingredient, the EPA now requires that certified applicators take training on how to safely use these products. These new restrictions intend to help reduce accidental ingestion and other exposures to the product.

General Information on Paraquat

Paraquat serves as a weed control as well as a defoliant on many crops prior to harvest. Some of the brand name products registered in Alabama are Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat and Parazone.

After November 14, 2019, the EPA requires companies to have newly labeled products on the market. Some may produce and sell newly labeled products before that date.

The following items are on the new label for paraquat products:

  • Only certified applicators, who successfully completed the paraquat-specific training, can mix, load or apply paraquat
  • Required training link: http://usparaquattraining.com
  • Spanish Training is available for paraquat, that version of the required training is available at the main link listen above. It directs you in the first sentence of the description where to select to go to the Spanish training
  • No longer allow application “under the direct supervision” of a certified applicator
  • Applicators must repeat training every three years
  • Restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only

Review the additional information for paraquat required trainings found at www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.

For further information, contact Sonja Thomas at sbt0010@aces.edu or 334-844-8832.