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As of Fall 2019, new EPA regulations for paraquat went into effect. The new regulations state that:
- Only licensed applicators can mix, load, or apply paraquat
- Applicators must receive EPA training before using
- Applicators must follow additional label requirements
Paraquat dichloride, (sold under the brand names Gramoxone, Firestorm, Parazone, Cyclone, and more), is used as an herbicide and as a crop defoliant/top kill product. Paraquat is highly toxic to humans. One small sip can be fatal and there is no antidote.
Certified applicators must complete this EPA mandated training program before mixing, loading, and/or applying paraquat.
New Label Information
To prevent severe injury and/or death from paraquat ingestion, all paraquat products must:
- Only be used by certified licensed applicators to mix, load, or apply;
- Never be transferred to a food, drink or any other container;
- Always be kept secured to prevent access by children and/or other unauthorized persons;
- Never be stored in or around residential dwellings;
- Never be used around home gardens, schools, recreational parks, golf courses or playgrounds.
For more information on the new paraquat label language visit EPA's webpage.
For answers to other questions, contact the Board of Pesticides Control at pesticides@maine.gov or call 287-2731.
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