Assuring security of dangerous pesticides.

• Position: Chemicals - Brief Article

Lawn care businesses, farmers, agricultural chemical dealers, and exterminators are among businesses that regularly use pesticides. With recent threats to the U.S., security of these chemicals becomes critical, so the Environmental Protection Agency issued an alert to the pesticide industry and related businesses in October. Among the precautions stressed by the EPA are careful hiring practices, equipment security, and protecting confidential information. The Department of Transportation released an advisory for the shipping of equipment and chemicals as well.

"Any person who stores or uses pesticides should always do so properly," stresses Sandra McDonald, an environmental and pesticide education specialist, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Fort Collins. "However, because of recent events, the EPA is urging everyone to be especially vigilant regarding the security of these chemicals and application equipment." For instance, the FBI is asking for extra caution from agricultural chemical retailers and those businesses or organizations that spray chemicals for mosquito control.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has developed 10 steps to help public health and safety officials analyze, mitigate, and prevent chemical disasters. These are on the Internet at www.techstuff.com/Terror/terror.htm. EPA security recommendations are at www.epa.gov/swercepp/p-small. htm#alerts and www.epa.gov/swer cepp/.

McDonald recommends that businesses or individuals who store or use pesticides follow the checklist below to help secure chemicals and equipment:

* Always store pesticides in a locked, secure facility.

* Limit access to pesticides. Be aware of who has keys and access to storage areas and take necessary steps to keep unauthorized people away from them.

* Post emergency contact names, addresses, and telephone numbers at the primary entrance to the storage area. List at least two people, if possible.

* Inspect storage facilities at least once a week and maintain an inspection log.

* Secure any pesticide application...