The Pesticide Resource Book for Health Professionals was developed by the Pesticide Education and Assessment Program and forms the basis for

This portion of the Pesticide Education and Assessment Program is partially sponsored by:

pesticide workshops offered through the Maryland Agromedicine Program. The Resource Book contains all of the Pesticide Information Leaflets listed in this section as well as two additional publications:

Pesticide Toxicology. Evaluating Safety and Risk (contact Purdue University Pesticide Programs 765-494-7779), and

Case Studies in Environmental Medicine no. 26 ppp. 40, Taking an Exposure History (contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at 1-888-42- ATSDR).

The following leaflets may be downloaded from this site and viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader® or ordered from the Extension Secretary, Department of Entomology, The University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301- 405-3913). * To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click *here* .

No. 4: Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Pesticide users, consumers, and others have questions about pesticides. This leaflet provides telephone numbers to access knowledgeable sources on these issues.

No. 10: Using Insect Repellents Safely. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Historically, insect repellents have been used against mosquitoes, blackflies, and other annoying pests. Increasing concern about Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick, and West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has resulted in a corresponding increase in the use of repellents. This leaflet explains how to use available products in the safest manner.

No. 21: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: An Overview. Rev. October 1999 4 pp.

Although there is much disagreement over causes, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatments, most in the scientific and medical communities now agree that MCS is a real phenomenon. This leaflet provides a brief review of the syndrome.

No. 22: Pesticides Associated with Skin Disease in Agriculture. October 1997. 2 pp.

Some pesticides have been associated with rashes, irritation, and other skin-related symptoms. This leaflet lists pesticides reported to cause various skin problems.

No. 23: Selected Pesticide Resources for the Health Professional. Rev. May 1999. 3 pp.

Physicians, nurses, emergency personnel, and other medical professionals have special needs for information about pesticides. This leaflet provides references and resources that health professional may find useful.

No. 25: Developing a Pesticide Exposure History. October 2002. 10 pp.

When exposure to pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) is suspected as a cause or contributing factor for a medical problem, the existence of a detailed and accurate exposure history is critical to a correct diagnosis. This pamphlet presents questions that should be helpful in providing the clinician with an accurate picture of pesticide exposure.

No. 26: Comparing Symptoms of Heat Stress and Pesticide Poisoning. November 1998. 2 pp.

When a pesticide user becomes ill while working with organophosphate or carbamate pesticides in a hot environment, determining whether the handler is suffering from heat exhaustion or pesticide poisoning can be confusing. This leaflet compares and contrasts these two possible causes of serious illness.

No. 27: Understanding Pesticides. February 1999. 2 pp.

This leaflet explains what pesticides are and offers a brief discussion of their regulation, risks and benefits, and responsible use.

No. 28: How to Read a Pesticide Label. October 2002. 9 pp.

The pesticide label is a legal document, and it is a violation of the law to use a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the label. This leaflet explains how the pesticide label is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information presented on the label.

No. 29: How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). June 1999. 5 pp.

The MSDS provides information about a product's composition, physical and chemical properties and hazards, toxicological information, and first aid procedures. This leaflet explains how the MSDS is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information contained in the MSDS.

No. 30: Cholinesterase Monitoring -- A Guide for the Health Professional. June 2006. 8 pp.

Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides can inhibit cholinesterase. This leaflet describes for physicians or other health care providers how to set up a monitoring schedule for persons exposed regularly or seasonally to cholinesterase inhibitors.

No. 31: Health Care Providers' Access to Pesticide Information. June 1999. 2 pp.

Certain laws and regulations ensure that health care providers must have access to pesticide information. This leaflet explains what types of information are available to health care providers under requirements of the Worker Protection Standard and the 1990 Farm Bill.

No. 33: Pesticides and Cancer. Rev. Oct. 2002. 14 pp.

Many people have concerns about whether pesticides are oncogenic or carcinogenic. This publication defines the terms used in classifying carcinogens, explains regulatory options, and identifies pesticides currently classified as carcinogens.

No. 34: Pesticides and the Endocrine System. September 1999. 5 pp.

Pesticides have been implicated as chemicals that may adversely affect the endocrine system. This leaflet describes the endocrine system, explains how endocrine disruptors and environmental estrogens are thought to work, and summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding pesticides and endocrine effects.

No. 35: Synopsis of the Maryland Pesticide Applicators Law and Regulations. Revised April 2007 (orig. pub. Sep. 2000). 8 pp.

This leaflet presents an abridged version of the Maryland regulations governing the use, sale, storage, and disposal of pesticides; certification of pesticide applicators; and other matters under the enforcement authority of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The leaflet is not intended as a substitute for the actual regulations.

No. 36: Pesticides: Usage and Exposure Patterns. August 2001. 7 pp.

This publication explains how and where pesticides are applied; how people, including children, may be exposed to pesticides through occupational and non-occupational practices; and basic concepts and terminology associated with pesticide use and regulation in the United States. The leaflet is intended as an overview for people such as health care practitioners and others who may need to know about pesticides but do not have practical experience with them.

No. 37: Section 25(b) Pesticides: Minimum Risk? September 2001. 7 pp

In 1996, EPA exempted certain pesticides, considered to pose minimum risk to humans and the environment, from the requirement to be reviewed and registered prior to sale and use, provided the products satisfy certain conditions. This publication explains the conditions associated with minimum risk pesticides, lists active and inert ingredients currently accepted for this classification, and discusses the concerns held by many pesticide educators and state regulators.

No. 40: Pesticide Regulatory Information Resources on the Internet. March 2004.

This leaflet provides internet resources on the laws dealing with pesticide regulation and associated regulations and policies. Two basic laws, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), define how pesticides may be registered, sold, used, transported, stored, and disposed of in the U.S. Additional laws address specific concerns such as safety of pesticide workers (the Worker Protection Standard), protections for endangered species (the Endangered Species Act), and other issues.

The following leaflets may be downloaded from this site and viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader® or ordered from the Extension Secretary, Department of Entomology, The University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301- 405-3913). * To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click *here* .

No. 2. Restricted Use Pesticides. Rev. June 2003. 12 pp.

Products classified as restricted use pesticides (RUP) are those the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined may be hazardous to human health or the environment even when used according to label directions. This leaflet provides the current list of pesticides federally classified for restricted use and identifies the reason(s) each was restricted.

No. 4: Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Pesticide users, consumers, and others have questions about pesticides. This leaflet provides telephone numbers to access knowledgeable sources on these issues.

No. 5: Educational Materials for the Worker Protection Standard. Rev. March 1995. 6 pp.

This publication lists training materials available for use by trainers of handlers and workers. Also listed are materials related to other WPS provisions. Due to rapid changes in availability of WPS training materials, there may be additional materials and additional sources not listed here, and prices may change.

No. 6: Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification in Maryland. Rev. October 2000. 4 pp.

Federal law requires that persons who need to buy or apply pesticides classified by the Environmental Protection Agency for restricted use must first become certified by demonstrating competence to use such chemicals. Each state has laws and regulations defining how certification is to be attained and maintained. This leaflet explains the pesticide applicator certification and training processes in Maryland.

No. 7: Cholinesterase Testing. Rev. May 2006. 3 pp.

Cholinesterase is an enzyme necessary for proper nerve impulse transmission. If the amount of this enzyme is reduced below a critical level, nerve impulses to the muscles can no longer be controlled, resulting in serious consequences and even death. Two classes of insecticides, the organophosphates and the carbamates, act as cholinesterase inhibitors; that is, they reduce the amount of cholinesterase available for the body's use. This leaflet explains how to have your cholinesterase level tested.

No. 8: Factors Affecting Groundwater Contamination. June 2003. 2 pp.

Groundwater is the source of water for wells and springs. It fills spaces between particles of soil or cracks in bedrock. The factors that affect the likelihood of groundwater contamination are discussed in this leaflet.

No. 9: Protecting Groundwater from Pesticides. Rev. June 2003. 3 pp.

Once thought to be safe from contamination, groundwater is now a threatened resource. Pesticide users, from commercial operators treating large acreages to homeowners treating their lawns, can take the protective measures discussed in this leaflet to prevent contamination of our water resources.

No. 10: Using Insect Repellents Safely. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Historically, insect repellents have been used against mosquitoes, blackflies, and other annoying pests. Increasing concern about Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick, and West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has resulted in a corresponding increase in the use of repellents. This leaflet explains how to use available products in the safest manner.

No. 11: Pesticide Safe Use Checklist. Rev. October 2003. 2 pp.

Pesticides are designed to be toxic to the pests they control, but may also pose potential hazards to humans, especially if not used with proper care. This leaflet provides a checklist of safe practices to be used in conjunction with the label directions anytime you plan to use a pesticide.

No. 13: Disposal of Pesticide Containers. Rev. January 1999. 1 p.

Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) are designed to be toxic. Improper disposal of pesticides or their containers can lead to environmental contamination and may incur both civil and criminal penalties. This leaflet explains how to properly prepare empty pesticide containers for disposal.

No. 14: Recordkeeping Requirements for Private and Commercial Applicators. Rev. January 2001. 5 pp.

Certified private and commercial applicators are required to maintain records of all pesticides they apply. Although there are some differences between the state and federal regulations, complying with the Maryland law satisfies requirements under both laws. This leaflet outlines the basic responsibilities that pertain to these laws and regulations.

No. 16: Handling Pesticide Spills. August 1993. 4 pp.

Everyone who uses pesticides needs a plan for dealing with pesticides spills. Performing the evaluations in this guide and following the risk reduction recommendations will help you avoid spills when possible and manage spills appropriately if they occur.

No. 17: Worker Protection Standard (WPS): A Checklist for Trainers. Rev. September 1996. 4 pp.

Pesticide safety training for workers and handlers on farms, forests, greenhouses, and nurseries is required under terms of the Worker Protection Standard. This leaflet provides trainers with helpful tips on how to conduct effective WPS training.

No. 18: Pesticide Applicator Checklist. Rev. June 2000. 5 pp.

Improper use of pesticides can lead to human health effects and contamination of our environment. This leaflet will help you develop a list of things to work on that will ensure your use of pesticide is legal, cost effective, and as safe as possible.

No. 19: The Worker Protection Standard: A Checklist for University Personnel. May 1995. 5 pp.

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) applies where pesticides are used in production of agriculture plants for commercial or research purposes on farms, forests, nurseries, greenhouses, and related structures. It covers pesticide applicators, mixer/loaders, disposers of pesticide containers, and those who may be exposed to pesticide residue on the job. This leaflet identifies sources of information for university employers and employees who may be covered by the WPS.

No. 20: New Amendments in the Worker Protection Standard. September 1996. 2 pp.

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) covers pesticides used on agricultural establishments, including farms, forests, greenhouses, and nurseries. In 1996, EPA amended requirements for decontamination sites for low toxicity pesticides and warning signs used for posting. This leaflet provides an overview of the key points of those amendments.

No. 26: Comparing Symptoms of Heat Stress and Pesticide Poisoning. November 1998. 2 pp.

When a pesticide user becomes ill while working with organophosphate or carbamate pesticides in a hot environment, determining whether the handler is suffering from heat exhaustion or pesticide poisoning can be confusing. This leaflet compares and contrasts these two possible causes of serious illness.

No. 27: Understanding Pesticides. February 1999. 2 pp.

This leaflet explains what pesticides are and offers a brief discussion of their regulation, risks and benefits, and responsible use.

No. 28: How to Read a Pesticide Label. October 2002. 9 pp.

The pesticide label is a legal document, and it is a violation of the law to use a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the label. This leaflet explains how the pesticide label is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information presented on the label.

No. 29: How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). June 1999. 5 pp.

The MSDS provides information about a product's composition, physical and chemical properties and hazards, toxicological information, and first aid procedures. This leaflet explains how the MSDS is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information contained in the MSDS.

No. 32: Planning for Change: Crop Profiles and Transition Strategies. July 1993. 3 pp.

The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) instructs USDA and EPA to obtain pesticide use and usage data on major and minor crops. Because some of these uses may be canceled through EPA's reregistration review process, it is important to identify where we stand now, where we need to be in the future and what research efforts are needed to get us there as far as pest management practices are concerned.

No. 35: Synopsis of the Maryland Pesticide Applicators Law and Regulations. Revised April 2007 (orig. pub. Sep. 2000). 8 pp.

This leaflet presents an abridged version of the Maryland regulations governing the use, sale, storage, and disposal of pesticides; certification of pesticide applicators; and other matters under the enforcement authority of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The leaflet is not intended as a substitute for the actual regulations.

No. 37: Section 25(b) Pesticides: Minimum Risk? September 2001. 7 pp

In 1996, EPA exempted certain pesticides, considered to pose minimum risk to humans and the environment, from the requirement to be reviewed and registered prior to sale and use, provided the products satisfy certain conditions. This publication explains the conditions associated with minimum risk pesticides, lists active and inert ingredients currently accepted for this classification, and discusses the concerns held by many pesticide educators and state regulators.

No. 39: Pesticide Storage Security. February 2002. 4 pp.

Concerns about pesticide security include the potential for human injury, environmental harm, vandalism or theft with possible misuse of products, and, unfortunately, the potential for use by terrorists and saboteurs. This leaflet describes general good storage practices as well as considerations to prevent theft and/or accidental exposure from storage areas.

No. 40: Pesticide Regulatory Information Resources on the Internet. March 2004.

This leaflet provides internet resources on the laws dealing with pesticide regulation and associated regulations and policies. Two basic laws, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), define how pesticides may be registered, sold, used, transported, stored, and disposed of in the U.S. Additional laws address specific concerns such as safety of pesticide workers (the Worker Protection Standard), protections for endangered species (the Endangered Species Act), and other issues.

No. 41: Mode of Action of Structural Pest Control Chemicals. Revised June 2006 (orig. pub. January 2005). 8 pp.

This leaflet reviews physiological processes important in the insect and human systems and presents common modes of action for insecticides and rodenticides used by structural pest control operators.

No. 42: Mode of Action of Landscape Insecticides and Miticides. Revised January 2006. 9 pp.

This leaflet reviews physiological processes important in the insect and human systems and presents common modes of action for insecticides and miticides used by landscapers. To understand how pesticides work, it is necessary to understand how the pests’ targeted systems normally function. It is also helpful to understand how human systems function in order to see similarities and differences between humans and the pests we try to control. Another reason it is important to understand the modes of action of the pesticides we use is to prevent development of pesticide resistance in the target pest(s).

No. 43: Mode of Action of Insecticides and Related Pest Control Chemicals for Production Agriculture, Ornamentals, and Turf. Revised May 2006 (orig. pub. September 2005). 13 pp.

This leaflet reviews physiological processes important in the insect and human systems and presents common modes of action for insecticides and miticides used by growers of agricultural and ornamental commodities. To understand how pesticides work, it is necessary to understand how the pests’ targeted systems normally function. It is also helpful to understand how human systems function in order to see similarities and differences between humans and the pests we try to control. Another reason it is important to understand the modes of action of the pesticides we use is to prevent development of pesticide resistance in the target pest(s).

The following leaflets may be downloaded from this site and viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader® or ordered from the Extension Secretary, Department of Entomology, The University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301- 405-3913).

*** To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click *here* .

No. 4: Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Pesticide Information Telephone Numbers. Pesticide users, consumers, and others have questions about pesticides. This leaflet provides telephone numbers to access knowledgeable sources on these issues.

No. 10: Using Insect Repellents Safely. Rev. April 2002. 2 pp.

Historically, insect repellents have been used against mosquitoes, blackflies, and other annoying pests. Increasing concern about Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick, and West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has resulted in a corresponding increase in the use of repellents. This leaflet explains how to use available products in the safest manner.

No. 11: Pesticide Safe Use Checklist. Rev. October 2003. 2 pp.

Pesticides are designed to be toxic to the pests they control, but may also pose potential hazards to humans, especially if not used with proper care. This leaflet provides a checklist of safe practices to be used in conjunction with the label directions anytime you plan to use a pesticide.

No. 13: Disposal of Pesticide Containers. Rev. January 1999. 1 p.

Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) are designed to be toxic. Improper disposal of pesticides or their containers can lead to environmental contamination and may incur both civil and criminal penalties. This leaflet explains how to properly prepare empty pesticide containers for disposal.

No. 27: Understanding Pesticides. February 1999. 2 pp.

This leaflet explains what pesticides are and offers a brief discussion of their regulation, risks and benefits, and responsible use.

No. 28: How to Read a Pesticide Label. October 2002. 9 pp.

The pesticide label is a legal document, and it is a violation of the law to use a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the label. This leaflet explains how the pesticide label is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information presented on the label.

No. 29: How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). June 1999. 5 pp.

The MSDS provides information about a product's composition, physical and chemical properties and hazards, toxicological information, and first aid procedures. This leaflet explains how the MSDS is derived and arranged, and helps the reader interpret the information contained in the MSDS.

No. 37: Section 25(b) Pesticides: Minimum Risk? September 2001. 7 pp

In 1996, EPA exempted certain pesticides, considered to pose minimum risk to humans and the environment, from the requirement to be reviewed and registered prior to sale and use, provided the products satisfy certain conditions. This publication explains the conditions associated with minimum risk pesticides, lists active and inert ingredients currently accepted for this classification, and discusses the concerns held by many pesticide educators and state regulators.

No. 38: Disposal of Household Pesticide Products. September 2001. 1 pp.

Improper disposal of pesticides or their containers can lead to environmental contamination and may incur both civil and criminal penalties. Even in very small quantities, some pesticides can have a substantial adverse impact on sensitive organisms. This leaflet explains EPA's guidelines for disposal of empty non-microbial, residential/household use pesticide products.

No. 40: Pesticide Regulatory Information Resources on the Internet. March 2004.

This leaflet provides internet resources on the laws dealing with pesticide regulation and associated regulations and policies. Two basic laws, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), define how pesticides may be registered, sold, used, transported, stored, and disposed of in the U.S. Additional laws address specific concerns such as safety of pesticide workers (the Worker Protection Standard), protections for endangered species (the Endangered Species Act), and other issues.