Get Your Paraquat, Pesticide Points Training

Now is the time to complete EPA-required paraquat training.

Paraquat (also called Gramoxone) is a nonselective 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.

Extension agronomist Jeff Graybill points out that 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.

The label for Gramoxone, a paraquat formulation, bears a skull and crossbones to indicate the product's toxicity. Pesticide applicators must complete approved training before mixing, loading or applying paraquat.

To prevent these tragedies, the Environmental Protection Agency is requiring special training for certified applicators who use paraquat. Certified applicators must complete an EPA-approved training program before mixing, loading and/or applying paraquat.

The training provides important information about paraquat’s toxicity, label requirements and restrictions, and the consequences of misuse.

For details of the label and use requirements, see the EPA website.

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 training and online quiz at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center website.

You can also check with your local Extension office or pesticide supplier to find training at a local meeting. And you can search for meetings at the PAPlants website.

Applicators must repeat the training and obtain a certificate every three years to mix, load, apply or handle paraquat.

There is now a closed-system requirement. As of Dec. 31, 2020, paraquat registrants are no longer 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.

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 control hotline is 1-800-222-1222, available 24 hours a day.

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Leon Ressler is a Penn State Extension educator based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.