Leaders in the Pesticides Branch of the state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will be holding a free training session for residents and representatives of nurseries, to emphasize the proper use of hydrated lime to control coqui-frog infestations. The Kaua‘i meeting
Leaders in the Pesticides Branch of the state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will be holding a free training session for residents and representatives of nurseries, to emphasize the proper use of hydrated lime to control coqui-frog infestations.
The Kaua‘i meeting is Wednesday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the state Department of Agriculture office, 4398A Pua Loke St., Lihu‘e, behind the county Department of Water headquarters.
There have been reports that some residents are not following the label directions when using the chemical, and are applying the dust form of the chemical, a state Department of Agriculture spokesperson said. The dust form is only allowed for those with agricultural operations, who can restrict access to the treated area for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Residents are only allowed to use a 3-percent solution in a liquid form to spray on foliage or to drench the soil.
“It is extremely critical that hydrated lime be applied according to the label directions,” said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chairperson of the state Board of Agriculture. “Hydrated lime is a corrosive chemical that, if improperly used, may be hazardous to humans and animals.”
Improper use of hydrated lime may cause irreversible damage to the eyes, and skin burns. It is harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, and may be fatal if inhaled.
“Pesticide dealers are required to have those purchasing hydrated lime complete an Applicator Authorization Form, and provide the user with label instructions,” said Robert Boesch, manager of the department’s Pesticides Branch.
“It is important for the public to know that it is a violation of state and federal laws to use the dust form of hydrated lime in private yards and public property.
“Because of the significant hazards associated with hydrated lime, reports of misuse will be a priority for investigation and enforcement action,” Boesch added. Leaders in the department’s Pesticides Branch have the enforcement authority for both state and federal Environmental Protection Agency laws. Fines for violations of state and federal EPA rules for hydrated lime range between $1,000 to $5,000 per offense.
Suspected improper use of a pesticide should be reported to the department at 274-3069.
Questions regarding the proper use of all pesticides may also be directed to that phone number. Label instructions and forms are available on the Web site at: www.hawaiiag.orq/hdoa/pi_pest_forms.htm.
Last month, officials with the EPA approved an emergency exemption requested by leaders in the state Department of Health to allow the use of calcium hydroxide, commonly known as hydrated lime, to control coqui and greenhouse frog infestations in Hawai‘i, a department spokesperson said.
In granting the exemption, EPA officials required that state leaders create a product label detailing the conditions under which hydrated line may be used, which include the following:
- Officials at agricultural establishments are allowed to use the dust form of hydrated lime, and worker entry into treated areas must be restricted for 48 hours after treatment;
- Residential, commercial or public uses must be sprayed in a solution form;
- Hydrated lime must not be applied to food crops;
- Applicators must be wear protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves and protective eyewear and approved respirators;
- Precautionary statements, that the product is harmful if swallowed, must be included;
- The product must not be used in areas that were recently treated with ammonium-containing fertilizers, which may react with the lime and release ammonia;
- The product must not be applied to areas where children play or congregate;
- The product must not be applied to trees to avoid the potential for subsequent dripping of the chemical on people or property, such as automobiles;
- For non-agricultural uses, such as around homes, persons other than the applicator are prohibited from entering the treated area until the spray has dried.
Department officials remind members of the public to follow all label directions when using any pesticides, and to be careful to minimize exposure to themselves, their families and neighbors.
