EPA proposes pesticide labeling to control spray drift

The U.S. EPA has rolled out proposed guidance for new pesticide labeling to reduce off-target spray and dust drift. The new instructions, when implemented, will improve the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels and help prevent harm from spray drift, according to the EPA.
The new labels will carry more uniform and specific directions on restricting spray drift while giving pesticide applicators clear and workable instructions, said Steve Owens, assistant administrator at EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
The new instructions will prohibit drift that could cause adverse health or environmental effects. Also, on a pesticide-by-pesticide basis, EPA will evaluate scientific information on risk and exposure based on individual product use patterns. These assessments will help the agency determine whether no-spray buffer zones or other measures – such as restrictions on droplet or particle size, nozzle height, or weather conditions – are needed to protect people, wildlife, water resources, schools and other sensitive sites from potential harm.