Pesticide Safety Program in California may Expand Soon

LA Testing provides environmental pesticide testing solutions to ensure safety for workers, the public and to protect the environment.

Los Alamitos, CA

Assembly Bill No. 1963 is moving through the California Assembly if passed would require laboratories that test for pesticide poisoning to report their results to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. If passed, the new regulations would give state officials the ability to track pesticide poisoning cases statewide.

California is the nation’s largest agricultural producer and some 700,000 workers keep the farms running. No other states currently collect pesticide poisoning data on a scale proposed by California. Under current state law employers are required to track the time workers spend handling pesticides containing organophosphates or carbamates. Both chemicals are believed to cause nerve damage, infertility and other dangerous health problems.

Testing for pesticide poisoning involves checking for enzyme levels, particularly cholinesterase, or ChE. The proposed new law would allow for a fine of up to $200 per person, per case, against any laboratory that knowingly fails to meet the reporting requirements if the bill is passed.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading provider of advanced environmental laboratory services, has several laboratories throughout California that provide for pesticide analysis of environmental samples. The laboratories utilize the most advanced instrumentation and testing methods to provide analytical solutions to ensure the safety of area residents as well as farm workers.

The potential for accidental exposure, or exposure caused by pesticides drifting, is a real concern for not only the farm workers, but also for anyone in the area. “Pesticide poisoning and contamination is a huge issue in California,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Not only is there a risk of inhaling or touching pesticide contaminated surfaces, but these same pesticides can pollute the soil and contaminate ground water. Our laboratories are available to help test for pesticides to protect people and the environment.”

To learn more about pesticide testing please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail