Mandatory Paraquat Training
Paraquat (also called Gramoxone) is a non-selective herbicide commonly used in agronomic production. It is probably most commonly used as a "burndown" herbicide to terminate cover crops or weeds prior to planting in a no-till production system.
Since 2000, there have been 17 deaths – three involving children – caused by accidental ingestion of paraquat. These cases have resulted from the pesticide being illegally transferred to beverage containers and later mistaken for a drink and consumed. A single sip can be fatal. In addition to the deaths by accidental ingestion, since 2000, there have been three deaths and many severe injuries caused by the pesticide getting onto the skin or into the eyes of those working with the herbicide. For details of the label and use changes, see Paraquat Dichloride Training for Certified Applicators or Google "Paraquat Training."
Some of the significant changes include:
- Required certified training specific to the product. The training, which is generally about an hour, can be online or in meeting format, however; each applicator must pass a 15-question quiz. They will then be given a certificate of documentation which the applicator must keep on file. You can find additional information and take the online quiz at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) website.
- Training must be repeated, and a certificate obtained every three years in order to mix, load, apply, or handle paraquat.
- Closed-system Requirement – As of December 31st, 2020, paraquat registrants will no longer be able to distribute or sell paraquat products in a container less than 120 gallons without closed systems for removing product from the original container, any subsequent transfer of the product and complete removal and rinsing of the product container. However, dealers and distributors will be permitted to continue to sell paraquat products that do not meet the closed-system requirement until their stocks run out.
- Jar Testing – Tank-mix compatibility testing, aka jar testing, is prohibited. Users are advised to check the product website for a list of some products that have been evaluated for compatibility.
The Paraquat label has "Danger Poison" along with a skull and crossbones, indicating that it is one of the most toxic herbicides in use today. It is corrosive to skin and eyes, and can be fatal if ingested. You should seek "immediate medical attention" if exposed to this product. The national poison hotline is 1-800-222-1222, available 24 hours a day. See the National Poison Control website for more information on pesticide safety and what to do if you suspect you have been exposed to a pesticide.
