We are sorry to hear you experienced pesticide drift from a neighbor or were exposed to a pesticide spray. While we are not able to provide health or legal advice, we can provide the following information to help.
1. Seek Medical Help
If there is a medical emergency (for example if the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing or having convulsions), call 911.
Poison Control Centers provide free, 24-hour professional medical advice for poison-related situations including pesticides. Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Contact your primary care provider if you experience any health effects, including but not limited to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. For some pesticides, antidotes can be administered. Contact the party responsible and ask what chemicals were used (in some cases more than one pesticide may be used).
For a non-emergency situation that does not require immediate medical help, here is a summary of recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority:
- Wash off the pesticide.
- Warn others in the area.
- If an outdoor pesticide release is ongoing, shut all windows and doors and turn of the AC/HVAC system and leave the area. If indoors, leave the building. For either, take pets if you can.
- Write down what happened.
- Report the incident.
Más información sobre exposición en español.
2. Report the Incident
Contact your state's Department of Agriculture to notify them of your concerns:
- Oregon Pesticide Incident Complaint Form
- Washington Pesticide Compliance- call 1-844-388-2020 (English and Spanish) or email [email protected]
- Idaho Pesticide Damage Claim Form
- If you are in California, your first contact should be your County Agricultural Commissioner, who enforces pesticide laws and regulations locally.
For more information in Oregon, visit these websites:
- Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)
- ODA's Pesticide & Fertilizer Programs
- ODA's Pesticide Analytical and Response Center (PARC)
- ODA's What to Expect When You File a Complaint
For more information in Washington, visit these websites:
- Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pesticide Compliance
- You may also file a complaint concerning the misuse of a pesticide or licensing violation at any of the state's six Pesticide Compliance offices- find your local office. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible concerning the incident. It is also advised that you prepare a written statement concerning the incident as soon as possible. If your call is an emergency, please call the main Olympia office at 360-902-2040.
- WSDA's Process for Investigating Pesticide Complaints
For more information in Idaho, visit these websites:
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Pesticide Damage Claim Form
- ISDA Pesticide Investigations & Enforcement FAQs
3. Seek Legal Assistance
NCAP cannot provide legal advice in dealing with aerial or other sprays, so we recommend that you contact your state's bar association if you wish to pursue legal help:
- Washington State Bar Association: 800-945-9722
- Oregon State Bar Association: 800-452-7636
- Idaho State Bar: 208-334-4500
You can also find a wealth of information on the National Pesticide Information Center website, including for states outside the Pacific Northwest.