Pesticides are substances used to kill and control "pests," and can therefore be dangerous to human health. Pests include: insects, weeds, plant diseases, fungus, viruses, bacteria and rodents. Pesticides include: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, disinfectants, and bug sprays. These include many common household products.

Who uses Pesticides?

Agricultural businesses, ranchers, landscape and structural pest control services, gardeners, janitorial and cleaning services, most schools, businesses and individuals use them in their homes and yards.

Most Common Effects of Pesticide Exposure

Symptoms will vary with the type of pesticide, the amount exposed to, and type of exposure: skin, inhalation, or ingestion. The more immediate symptoms may include: skin rashes, sweating, headaches, dizziness, tearing eyes, runny nose, cough, nausea, vomiting. Chronic exposures have been linked to asthma, allergies, general fatigue and malaise, and certain cancers.

Who can you call if you have a concern or complaint?

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) must respond to all pesticide-related complaints from both the public and industry.

The DPR works locally through the County Agricultural Commissioner, who is responsible for all local pesticide enforcement activities and investigates all pesticide-related illnesses.

In Imperial County, for any complaints or concerns about exposure, call the
Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner,
Stephen L. Birdsall
150 South 9th Street
El Centro, CA 92243-4314
Phone: 760-482-4314
Fax: 760-353-9420
E-mail: imperag@cdfa.ca.gov

Other Resources

National Pesticide Information Center
1-800-858-7378
www.npic.orst.edu

Poison Control 1-800-876-4766
California Dept. of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
101 First St., PO Box 4015
Sacramento CA 95812-4015
916-445-4300
www.cdpr.ca.gov

DPR Division of Worker Health and Safety
916-445-4222

Pesticide Action Network of North America
www.pesticideinfo.org