Posted on: Thursday, July 29, 2004

BUREAUCRACY BUSTER
State can limit use of pesticides

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. Our neighbor uses pesticides to spray her plants, and on windy days the fumes are carried into our home. We think the chemicals may be contributing to illnesses our son has experienced. We have asked the neighbor to stop spraying, but the problem persists. What recourse do we have?

A. You can call the state Department of Agriculture's pesticides branch at 973-9405 and file a complaint, said pesticides specialist Steven Ogata. He said yours is the most common complaint that his office gets.

First thing he advises is that people take care of their health if they are feeling affected by pesticides. "Get fresh air, call for medical assistance if you need it," he said, then call in the complaint. "If we're not available, call 911, ask for fire," he said.

Generally, he suggests people try to talk to their neighbors first, as you have done. The inspectors will then try to talk to the neighbor and advise them that the spray shouldn't be affecting others and they may take samples, Ogata said. He said more than half of the people who are spraying are willing to talk about the problem.

Ogata said inspectors try to suggest that people consider using less toxic products and consider the wind conditions. If the neighbor keeps spraying, the state can then send a warning letter threatening fines, he said. Usually, that's enough to stop the problem, he said, but the state can assess civil penalties if the problem persists.