Pennsylvania was one of the first states to implement a Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry. The Registry was started as a volunteer program in 1988 and, at the request of the industry, was incorporated into regulation in 1992 as a mandatory program. The Registry stemmed from a concern for people with abnormal sensitivities to pesticides and the industry wishing not to post all application sites.
What is the Hypersensitivity Registry?
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) maintains a registry of individuals who are hypersensitive to pesticides. This listing includes locations (home, place of employment, school, and vacation home) for people who have been verified by a doctor to be excessively or abnormally sensitive to pesticides.
This registry is distributed to all commercial and public pesticide businesses twice every year. These businesses are required to notify any person in the most current registry if they will be making an application to an attached structure or an outdoor above ground pesticide application within 500 feet of any listed location.
What are the notification requirements?
Pesticide businesses are required to notify hypersensitive individuals 12 to 72 hours in advance. The notification can be made by speaking to any adult through personal contact, telephone (including leaving a message on an answering machine), or certified mail; if available, electronic mail or FAX; or by speaking to an adult at an alternative telephone number listed. If notification cannot be made after at least two telephone attempts, notification can be made by placing the written information on the front door of the listed residence (which is within 500 feet of the application).
The business must provide the hypersensitive individual with the following information:
- The application location, and proposed date and time of the application. The proposed application time may not exceed a 24-hour period.
- The pesticide brand name, EPA registration number, and active ingredient common name (if available) of the pesticide products which may be used.
- The business name, telephone number, and business license number of the pesticide application business.
Remember, a listing in the registry does not prevent the pesticide application from being made.
How do you get listed on the registry?
To get listed in the registry, download an application and complete Part I. A Pennsylvania licensed physician must fill out and sign Part II of the form. Mail the form back to the PDA (mailing address is on the form). Remember, the registry is a public document and will be published in printed and/or electronic media.
How do you stay listed in the registry?
Once a year, the PDA will mail a renewal application. New medical verification is not needed for renewals. If the renewal application is not returned, your information will be removed from the registry. Notify PDA in writing of any changes to ensure accuracy in the next publication of the registry. The registry is now published in March and July.
What happens if not notified of an application after information is listed in registry?
The following is suggested if a public or commercial pesticide applicator makes a pesticide application within 500 feet of a listing and fails to provide the required prior notification. Personally contact the applicator and explain that anyone on the registry requires notification. Contact a PDA regional office and ask to speak to an Agronomics Products Inspector, who will take the information and assist in filing a complaint. If possible, provide the company name and the “BU” number displayed on the side of the service vehicle along with the location of the application.
Until next time,
Be Safe!
