EPA to launch New Pesticide label

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon launch a new pesticide labelling directive to reduce off-target spray and drift of pesticides. After the implementation of the new directive, the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels will be improved and the harm of spray drift will be reduced.

EPA said the new pesticide labels will provide specific directions for reducing spray drift, develop more uniform and clear pesticide standards, and give clear guidance to pesticide users to prohibit pesticide bleaching that has adverse effects on human health and the natural environment.

In addition, EPA will examine scientific information about individual pesticide products related to use risks, which will help EPA determine how to take other measures to protect people, wildlife, water resources, schools, and other sensitive sites from the potential harm of these pesticides, including controlling droplet or particle size of pesticide sprays, height of nozzles, and restricting pesticide use according to weather conditions.

EPA is currently preparing an explanatory document for the new pesticide labelling draft, which will provide the public with information about pesticide bleaching and disclose EPA's current environmental projects and future plans.