The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken recent actions on the active ingredient paraquat dichloride. An herbicide frequently referred to as paraquat, in order to prevent human poisonings. Paraquat is commonly sold under the trade name Gramoxone. This product is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide with the Danger/Poison signal word because of its high level of acute toxicity to humans. The ingestion of this product can be fatal, even in small doses and there is no antidote. Paraquat can also be fatal if inhaled as well as being corrosive to the skin and eyes.
2019 Kansas Paraquat Training Information
Frequently asked questions
So do all paraquat dichloride product labels require the additional training?
The Environmental Protection Agency is allowing the sale of paraquat that is already in the channels of trade, so some paraquat sold during this growing season may NOT require the new training requirement on the label. In the future all products featuring the new labeling with the active ingredient paraquat dichloride, such as Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat and Parazone will require the additional training in order to apply these products. Remember if the new training requirement is listed on the label of the product you are using, then you MUST complete the training.
How often am I required to receive the training?
The training is required every three years.
Do I need to be certified to use products containing paraquat dichloride?
The newly labeled products state that “Product may ONLY be mixed, loaded or applied by a certified applicator who has successfully completed the paraquat-specific training before use. Application “under direct supervision” of a certified applicator is NO LONGER allowed. In the state of Kansas, this means that everyone purchasing and using these products has to either obtain a private applicator license (application to agricultural lands owned or operated by individual) or a commercial applicator license (applicators applying to other people’s land for compensation). If you have been applying under someone else’s license in the past you will need to get your own license before applying these products.
How can I complete the training requirements?
The only training that meets the requirements is housed on the extension website and can be found by going to: http://usparaquattraining.com. If you don’t currently have an account you will need to create one before it will allow you to take the training.
This information is made available by the K-State Pesticide Safety and IPM Program. Contact your local K-State Research & Extension County or District Office if you need any additional information.
Stacy Campbell is an agriculture and natural resources agent for Cotton Extension District. Email him at scampbel@ksu.edu or call the Cotton Extension District Hays office, 785-628-9430.
