What To Do If You Are Exposed To Pesticides

If you are exposed to pesticides spray drift, follow these steps:
  • Shower as soon as possible if exposure was to your skin.
  • If you have any symptoms at all, see a doctor.
  • If possible, photograph spraying in progress.
  • Call the Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) immediately at 207-287-2731. If you were exposed from aerial spraying, call the Maine office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well at 207-780-3263.
  • If you know the person/company responsible for the contamination, complain to them immediately by phone and follow up in writing.
  • Document any damage to plants and crops by taking photographs.
  • Preserve all evidence of exposure except, of course, on your body.
  • Do not destroy or wash clothes that were contaminated. Keep them in a plastic bag, out-of-doors, and turn them over to agency inspectors for testing. Have the inspectors sign documentation of what they took, date, etc.
  • Depending on the severity of the exposure, you may ask the BPC investigators to come to the site. Insist that they take samples inside your home as well as outside if exposure took place at or near your place of residence.
  • Keep records of everything -- conversations, correspondence, doctor and hospital visits, results of any tests and diagnoses -- and ask for copies of the investigative reports by the BPC and FAA inspectors if an investigation is done.
  • Keep a copy for your records.
  • Legal counsel may be warranted.
  • Consult the BPC for information about procedures to request advanced notification of pesticides applications by your neighbors and commercial applicators. Download an application for the Pesticides Notification Registry.
  • For additional assistance, call the National Pesticide Information Network at 800-858-7378.
  • Submit a written incident report to each agency listed below. Include your name, address, phone number, email address, and the name of those exposed. Be specific in your description of the exposure, including date and time, weather conditions (wind severity and direction), where and how the exposure took place, name of the person responsible for the contamination (if known), name of pesticide manufacturer (if known), and symptoms. Sending your report by registered or certified mail is recommended.
Maine Board of Pesticides Control
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0028

Physical Address: Route 9 (Hospital Street), AMHI Campus, Deering Building, Room 333

Phone: 207-287-2731

Fax: 207-287-7548

Email: [email protected]
Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standard District Office - 05
2 Al McKay Avenue
Portland, ME 04102

Phone: 207-780-3262

Fax: 207-780-3296

Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pesticide Programs

Ariel Rios Building (7501C)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pollution Prevention & Toxic Substances

Ariel Rios Building (7101M)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
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Landsmith Farm in Waldoboro, Maine, organically grows a wide variety of high-quality, tasty vegetables, herbs, willow, and cut flowers using practices that prioritize the health of the land and its stewards. Their products are sold wholesale and direct-to-consumer through a variety of channels, including a farm stand, pick-your-own garden, and a future CSA (community supported agriculture) program. Landsmith Farm is owned and operated by Erin Espinosa, whose identities as a queer latina woman farmer ground the farm in values of reciprocity, community, and perseverance.

 

Visit Ladsmith Farm on Instagram @landsmithfarm and on their Website.

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