California DPR Aims for Zero Major Incidents

SACRAMENTO — California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam said DPR will "aim for zero" major pesticide illness incidents.

"Governor Schwarzenegger's 2007 budget for DPR is the first step toward ending major pesticide incidents that result in serious injuries and environmental harm," said Warmerdam. "With this support, we'll aim for zero - no more major pesticide incidents on the farm or in urban settings."

Under the Governor's proposed budget, DPR will boost enforcement, revitalize a grant program to implement least-toxic pest management, and enhance pesticide safety. These initiatives are supported by more than $3 million in additional funding with no DPR fee increases.

"DPR is acknowledged as a national leader in pesticide management and regulation," said Warmerdam. "This budget reaffirms our leadership. It will help us advance safer, more effective pest management that meets the Governor's environmental and economic goals."

The major incidents targeted by Warmerdam include cases in which multiple victims require medical treatment or hospitalization due to pesticide exposure. They may occur in urban settings - chlorine spills in swimming pools, exterminator errors, and the like - as well as on the farm, where pesticide violations such as drift injure workers or neighbors. Major incidents also include wildlife kills, crop damage, and other significant cases of environmental harm from pesticide misuse.

On average, about 50 such incidents occur a year, based on a decade of investigations and reports.