Seasonal Issues
- Revised 2005 EPA Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How to Comply Manual
- Household Pests
- Pesticide Alert
- West Nile Virus
- Bed Bugs
Revised 2005 EPA Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How to Comply Manual The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How to Comply Manual has been updated to reflect amendments to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), a regulation designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS contains requirements for pesticide safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal protective equipment, restricted entry intervals following pesticide application, decontamination supplies, and emergency medical assistance. The revised manual provides detailed information on who is covered by the WPS and how to meet regulatory requirements. The updated manual will facilitate better protection of pesticide workers and handlers in agriculture from the potential risks of pesticides. The new 2005 WPS How to Comply (HTC) Manual supersedes the 1993 version. Revised 2005 EPA Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How to Comply Manual (PDF) (140 pp., 4.1 MB, about PDF) |
The chill in the air forces us all indoors. There are household pests that like living indoors, too. |
The EPA is issuing this Alert to all pesticide industry organizations, facilities, and handlers as a precaution during this heightened state of security awareness. This Alert highlights some general security areas that companies may want to review to ensure that appropriate measures are being implemented. EPA Headquarter's Pesticide Safety and Site Security page. |
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that may cause serious illness. The most serious form of WNV infection is fatal encephalitis (inflamation of the brain) in humans and horses, as well as mortality in many domestic and wild animals and birds. WNV occurs in Africa, western Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region of Europe, and more recently North America. In North America, WNV has quickly become established. Horses and certain wild birds, especially crows and jays are particularly vulnerable to the virus. History in the United States Human Health Issues The elderly and immuno-compromised are at higher risk of experiencing serious health problems from the virus than others. WNV Transmission The FDA and other organizations have taken precautions to reduce the risk of WNV transmission through blood transfusion and organ transplantation. One of these precautions has been to allow donor blood to be screened using rapidly developed experimental tests. Additionally, during 2003 the CDC and state and local health departments formed a registry to follow birth outcomes among women with WNV illness in pregnancy. More than 70 women were identified. Because of concerns about adverse health effects to pregnant women and newborns, pregnant women should avoid mosquito bites by using protective clothing, and using repellents containing N,N,-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Repellents with DEET are safe for pregnant women when used according to label directions, and there are other options, as well such as soybean oil based repellent that provides limited term, good protection. Protecting Yourself Against WNV
West Nile Virus Resources for New Englanders Horses In November 2002, a vaccine intended to aid in the prevention of WNV in horses was licensed by the Veterinary Services Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This is a killed vaccine product, and its use is restricted to licensed veterinarians. Veterinary Services is working to assist all companies interested in producing vaccines. For horses to be protected by vaccination, they should receive the second of two initial doses of the currently licensed vaccine at least two weeks before mosquitoes are likely to bite and infect them. The vaccine label stipulates that horses should receive an annual booster, although some State Veterinarians are recommending more than one booster per year. Federal Agency Responsibilities
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The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, has no preferred dwelling; they reside in dormitories, apartments, hotels, or single family homes. They are nocturnal creatures and thrive on human blood. Bedbugs don't dine on cookie crumbs in the corner, they prefer to migrate to mattresses to easily access their next meal. Learn about bed bugs here. |