Respiratory Protection When Using Minimal Exposure Pesticides

This letter clarifies the respirator-use requirements contained in the minimal exposure pesticides requirements in Title 3, California Code of Regulations (3CCR), Article 5.

Title 3, CCR Section 6793(f) requires use of a respirator when engaged in specific activities with bromoxynil, folpet, oxydemeton-methyl and propargite. Some pesticide product labels containing those active ingredients do not specify the type of respirator needed. The Worker Health and Safety Branch has issued specifications to be used when product labels are silent on respirator selection. The following respirators meet the respiratory protection requirements of the Minimal Exposure Pesticides:

• Bromoxynil: Particulate filter (N, R or P-rated).
• Folpet: Particulate filter (N, R or P-rated).
• Oxydemeton-methyl is registered for two pesticide uses: an injector system used to control tree-boring pests and an agricultural spray material.
  • The injector has respiratory protection requirements for use in confined spaces (N95); this specification applies to all use conditions in California.
  • The agricultural spray label specifies use of an organic vapor (OV) cartridge with particulate (N, R or P-rated) pre-filters for use in high exposure conditions such as cleaning equipment or spills; this specification applies to all use conditions in California.
• Propargite: Labels specify OV cartridge with particulate (N, R or P-rated) pre-filter; this specification applies to all use conditions in California.

Note that there are several exemptions to personal protective equipment requirements for minimal exposure pesticides, including respirator use, in 3CCR Section 6793.

If you have any questions, please contact the Enforcement Branch Liaison assigned to your county.

Sincerely,