The new measures will provide increased protections from potential exposure to the pesticide while DPR completes a formal regulatory process to list chlorpyrifos as a “toxic air contaminant” and develops permanent restrictions on its use. The Department is recommending that county agricultural commissioners (CAC’s) begin implementing the interim measures on January 1, 2019.
Following designation of chlorpyrifos as a toxic air contaminant, DPR is required to consult with other state and local agencies –including the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, the California Air Resources Board, CAC’s and local air districts– to determine what permanent mitigation measures are needed. This regulatory process could take up to two years to complete.
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