CA Pesticide Applicator key terms

A pesticide that California has designated as especially hazardous to people or the environment. It can be bought and used only by licensed or certified applicators, and often requires a county permit and a Notice of Intent before use.

The county official who enforces pesticide laws locally: issuing restricted-material permits, registering pest control businesses, inspecting applications, and investigating complaints and suspected pesticide illnesses.

The California state agency that registers pesticides, sets statewide pesticide rules, licenses applicators and advisers, and oversees the enforcement work of county agricultural commissioners.

A person licensed by DPR to advise growers on pest management and to recommend pesticide products and rates. Licensing requires exams and continuing education, and applicators often follow written PCA recommendations.

A certificate for people who apply or supervise restricted materials on agricultural property they own or rent, rather than for hire. It requires passing an exam and renewing with continuing education.

Written notice filed with the county agricultural commissioner before certain restricted-material applications, letting the commissioner review the planned use, site conditions, and permit conditions before the application happens.

A report of an agricultural pesticide application - product, amount, date, location, crop, and acres treated - submitted to the county agricultural commissioner, which passes the data to DPR for statewide tracking.

The single word DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION on the front of a pesticide label that shows the product's acute toxicity category, with DANGER-POISON and a skull and crossbones marking the most toxic products.

Everything that accompanies a pesticide product: the container label itself plus supplemental labels, brochures, safety data sheets, and other written material. Using a product in a way inconsistent with labeling is a violation.

The identification number EPA assigns when it registers a product. It appears on the label and identifies the registrant and product, helping an applicator confirm the label matches the product in hand.

A state-issued registration that allows an additional use of a registered product to solve a pest problem a federally registered use cannot address. It comes with a supplemental label the applicator must follow.

The period after a pesticide application during which entry into the treated area is limited, usually to protect workers from exposure. The label states the REI, and early entry requires label-specified protections.

The minimum number of days that must pass between a pesticide application and harvest of the crop so residues stay within tolerance. The label lists a PHI for each crop and use pattern.

The dose of a substance, usually milligrams per kilogram of body weight, that kills half of a test animal population. A lower LD50 means greater acute toxicity; labels report oral, dermal, and inhalation values.

The concentration of a pesticide in air or water that kills half the test animals exposed for a set period. It describes inhalation hazard to people and toxicity to fish and other aquatic life.

An enzyme in nerves that organophosphate and carbamate insecticides block, causing nerve overstimulation. California requires cholinesterase monitoring for some handlers, and a falling level signals excessive exposure.

A procedure that confirms a respirator seals against the wearer's face, using a qualitative or quantitative method before first use. A quick fit check is repeated each time the respirator is put on.

Gloves made of a material that resists penetration by pesticide formulations, as named in the label's PPE statements. They must be rinsed before removal and replaced when torn or contaminated inside.

Rinsing an emptied pesticide container three times with a set amount of water, adding each rinse to the spray tank, then draining. It removes residue before the container is recycled or disposed of.

A dike, tray, or other structure placed under storage tanks and containers to catch leaks and spills, keeping pesticide from reaching soil, drains, or surface water.

A small test in which the intended pesticides and adjuvants are mixed in the same proportions as the planned tank in a clear jar, so the applicator can see whether they separate, sludge, or heat up.

A check valve or air gap that stops tank mix from flowing backward into a water supply during filling or chemigation, protecting wells and public water systems from contamination.

Absorbent material, containers, PPE, and tools kept on hand so a pesticide spill can be contained and cleaned up quickly, before it reaches soil, water, or people.

A decision process that combines pest monitoring, thresholds, biological and cultural controls, and selective pesticides to manage pests with the least risk to people and the environment.

The pest population level at which the value of crop damage prevented by treatment exceeds the cost of the treatment. It tells an applicator when treating pays and when it does not.

Using living natural enemies - predators, parasitoids, or pathogens - to suppress pest populations. It works best when enemies are released or conserved before pests are abundant and broad-spectrum sprays are avoided.

A classification number or letter that groups pesticides by how they kill pests, such as the IRAC or FRAC codes. Rotating groups delays resistance; repeating one group selects for resistant populations.

Measuring and adjusting an application system's output, speed, and swath so it delivers the labeled rate uniformly over the target area. Equipment is recalibrated whenever nozzles, pressure, or speed change.

The metering component that breaks spray liquid into droplets and shapes the pattern. Worn or mismatched nozzles change the application rate and droplet size, causing over- or under-application and drift.

The diameter of spray droplets, usually described as fine, medium, or coarse. Fine droplets cover better but drift farther; coarser droplets reduce drift but can reduce coverage on the target.

The spray volume applied per acre. It depends on nozzle output, ground speed, and swath width, and must match the label rate so the correct amount of product reaches the crop.

Off-target movement of pesticide droplets or particles through the air during application. It can be reduced with coarser droplets, lower boom height, buffer zones, and spraying when wind is light and steady.

The change of a pesticide from liquid or solid into vapor after application, which can move off site for hours or days. Low-volatility formulations and cooler temperatures reduce the risk.

Downward movement of pesticide through soil with water, which can reach groundwater. It is more likely with soluble products, sandy soils, over-irrigation, and shallow water tables.

Pesticide-laden water that flows over the soil surface instead of soaking in, carrying material to ditches, streams, and ponds. Managing irrigation and leaving vegetative strips reduce it.

An untreated area between a pesticide application and a sensitive site such as a home, school, well, or waterway. Label directions, permits, or regulations may set the required distance.

A free, 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) staffed by specialists who give first-aid and treatment advice for pesticide exposure and poisoning. Callers reach a California center from anywhere in the state.

Written documentation of each application, including product name, registration number, amount, date, location, crop, target pest, and applicator. California requires them to be kept and shown to regulators on request.

Washing pesticide off the skin immediately with soap and water, removing contaminated clothing, and flushing exposed eyes at an eyewash for 15 minutes. Prompt washing sharply reduces the absorbed dose.