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Non Toxic News

What Should I Do If I See Someone Spraying?

3/17/2021

 
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​The answer to that question depends on the situation.

This spring when we are out in the neighborhood or at the park we may encounter someone applying pesticides. There are some things we should - and should not do. Here's a breakdown.



Should I take a video or picture?


If there is a pesticide notification sign, especially at a park or other public place, documenting it is appropriate. 

If there is a worker spraying or applying a pesticide, you should proceed with caution, and think carefully before recording any video or taking photographs.

Make sure you know the law in your state with regard to recording and photographing people in public or private places. Avoid confronting workers and never harass them while they are doing their job. Feedback should be directed to decision-makers like city council representatives, not contractors or individual staff. 

If you feel you need to take video or photographs to document and it is legal to do so, take them from a safe distance away from any potential pesticide drift. 


Should I post it on social media or my website?


If you took a picture of a notification sign, it's logical to share it to alert others. Signs are up for a limited time, and many people may not be aware of applications happening. This may be the only way for them to find out, and it is reasonable for you to share this information. It's helpful to document and share pesticide application signs or notices wherever appropriate.

If you legally took videos of workers spraying, consider if their faces are showing and how you present the photos or video. Consider your tone. Obscure faces if possible. We do not want to single out workers or shame them. They have the some of the highest pesticide exposure - and we also need to remember that more often than not, they may have been convinced that what they are applying is perfectly safe. 

We want groundskeepers and landscapers to adopt organic practices. This is not achieved by putting them up as a target for public outrage or ridicule on social media accounts or websites. Seriously consider this before choosing to post any pictures or videos, and always use good judgement. 


Should I call someone?

If you suspect pesticides have been applied in a manner that is illegal or if a company drifted or applied pesticides erroneously to your personal property, take a deep breath and follow these steps:


  1. Immediately contact your state's department of agriculture. Find your state pesticide regulatory agency here.
  2. DO NOT try to mitigate pesticide contamination by yourself. Depending on what chemicals or products were used, this may make the situation worse, and it may make it harder for investigators to collect evidence for your complaint.

Some states do not accept pictures or videos as part of their report, while others do. Check to see what the law is in your state. 

You may wish to contact a private attorney for civil action if this is appropriate.

Some people put up yard signs that help indicate to a a company they have the wrong address to prevent potential incidents. Many types are available online, we like these from Pesticide Free Zone. 


How should I protect myself and my family?

Beyond Pesticides has excellent resources here under What to Do in a Pesticide Emergency


What can I do to stop toxic pesticides from being used in my community?

Visit our resources page to find tools to help you advocate for the adoption of organic landscaping practices in your city, town, school or HOA.
D Leigh
4/15/2022 05:11:33 pm

I live in a community where the houses are very close together, and a large lake is very nearby. We use Eco friendly Sprays that are made of herbs to repel mosquitoes, with great success. My neighbor regularly has the yard sprayed by a company that uses harsh chemicals to to kill mosquitoes. The fine mist spray very easily drifts into my yard. This spray kills mosquitoes, and every other insect, All the crucial insects that birds need to survive and feed their young. The birds quickly fly away not to return for quite a while. This spray is known to cause problematic respiratory symptoms in those with related disorders. What can I as a neighbor do to prevent this unnecessary overuse of harsh chemicals?

Non Toxic Communities link
4/17/2022 10:58:46 am

If you live in a state without preemption laws that allows municipalities to regulate pesticides on private property like Maine or Maryland, you can ask your decision makers to put an ordinance in place. Otherwise, as far as private property is concerned education is your best option. We have educational materials that you can print on our Documents page here: https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/documents.html

Janice Blackerby
4/19/2023 08:09:46 pm

If drifting your way, could you use a leaf blower to redirect the drift? Just a thought....

Jayme
9/10/2023 07:41:50 pm

I have noticed watery eyes, migraines, blurred vision, mental confusion, stuffed nose, sore throat, body pain and evening burning skin. I was sprayed with chemicals in California and I am in Flagstaff AZ and the same stuff is happening. Is anyone monitoring what these planes are dropping out of them and helicopters? Also people were deliberately doing this on the street in California. They use kites see what way wind blows and then spray people and inform there cult or gang or mob whatever they involved in to go somewhere else. In Erica it is illegal to attempt to murder people so how come they charge some and do nothing about others.


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