Community Health
Protecting California Communities
The ways pests are managed have an impact on people and the environment. We protect both by fostering sustainable pest management and regulating pesticides.
What is a Pesticide?
Pesticides are substances used to control pests, such as insects, microorganisms, rodents, or weeds that may harm people, or damage crops, or other property. California also regulates adjuvants as pesticides. Adjuvants are emulsifiers, spreaders, and other compounds added to improve the effectiveness of a pesticide.
Where are Pesticides Used?
Pesticides have a wide variety of uses in California, including:
- Farmers and growers use pesticides to control the pests that can destroy or damage food and other crops.
- Health agencies use pesticides to combat insects and other organisms known to carry diseases (like West Nile virus) that can threaten public health.
- Hospitals or schools use disinfecting pesticides to destroy viruses and other “germs” on floors and equipment.
- Public and private industry uses pesticides to address urban pests in structures, roads, and throughout our infrastructure.
- The public uses pesticides to control pests in our homes and gardens.
Pesticide Safety Tips
If you use pesticides in your home or yard, keep in mind these general pesticide use safety tips:
- Always read the label and follow the directions completely every time you use a pesticide. The label is the law.
- Wear work clothing (like pants and long-sleeved shirts) and personal protective equipment (like gloves and goggles) as directed by the label.
- Keep pesticides out of reach of children and dispose of pesticides according to the label.
- Wash your hands after handling pesticides.
- Store pesticides, including sanitizers/disinfectants, in their original containers whenever possible. Don’t use containers that used to contain food products.
- Do not allow children and pets into recently treated areas until the product fully dries or the dust settles.
- Never use more than the label directs to ensure safe use.
- Don’t store pesticides – including bleach – in food or beverage containers.
- Never mix different cleaning products together, especially with bleach.
- Don’t over-chlorinate swimming pools or spas. Ensure chlorine levels are never more than 4 ppm for pools or 5 ppm for spas when occupied.
Worker Health and Safety
If you work or handle pesticides as part of your job, make sure you know your rights as a worker and have information on using pesticides safely.
What Do I Do If I am Exposed to a Pesticide?
In emergency situations, for example, if you or others are having difficulty breathing, call 911.
For free, first-aid advice call Poison Control at 1 (800) 222-1222.
How Do I Report an Incident?
It’s important to report any pesticide illnesses or incidents as soon as possible. You can report anonymously. Call your County Agricultural Commissioner to report and they will initiate an investigation.
You can reach your County Agricultural Commissioner at 1-87-PESTLINE (1-877-378-5463).
It’s important to report any pesticide illnesses or incidents as soon as possible to your County Agricultural Commissioner. We track reported illnesses to inform where additional protections are needed for workers and the public.
You can report anonymously. Call 1-87-PESTLINE (1-877-378-5463) to connect with your County Agricultural Commissioner directly.
You can also request County Agricultural Commissioner staff support in the language you prefer, which can help with submitting pesticide use complaints, requesting information, or asking questions.
If you are a physician or licensed healthcare professional, it is important to report pesticide incidents. Please visit our Tracking Pesticide Illness for more information.
What Pesticides are Used in My Community?
If you want to know more about the pesticides used in your area, you can find that information in Pesticide Use Reports or through SprayDays California.
How Does DPR Regulate Pesticides?
We look at every pesticide before they can be used in California to determine if there are potential risks or impacts to people and the environment. Our regulations protect people and the environment.
We keep looking at new data and information to continuously evaluate pesticides for risks and impacts. This includes monitoring pesticides in the air and water, tracking reported pesticide illnesses and incidents, and working with California’s 55 local County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) to enforce all pesticide use laws and regulations.
How Does DPR Test for Pesticides on Food and in Drinking Water?
We collect thousands of produce samples every year to test for more than 500 different pesticide residues. We also assess pesticide use and monitoring data for risks to our drinking water, including sampling drinking water wells throughout the State. DPR takes action if illegal pesticide residues are found on our food or water.
How Does DPR Enforce Pesticide Use Laws and Regulations?
We enforce pesticide use laws and regulations in agricultural and urban areas to protect people and the environment. Along with our local partners, the County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs), we enforce both federal pesticide use regulations enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and California’s additional laws and regulations. Call your CAC to report a pesticide incident.
Where Do I Learn More About Pesticides?
You can learn more about our work to evaluate pesticides, and potential risks and impacts, by visiting our Look Up Pesticide Info page. This page includes all evaluations and assessments based on each pesticide’s “active ingredient” – the chemical that makes the pesticide work.
You can also visit the website or call the National Pesticide Information Center for objective, science-based information on pesticides, the potential risks if you are exposed and where exposure can occur.
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Still have a Question or Need More Information?
Please contact us with questions or visit the Contact Us page on our website to connect with other programs at DPR.