A new toll-free phone line, 1-87PestLine, (877-378-5463) has been established to make it easier for Californians to report pesticide illnesses. Callers to the number are transferred to their county agricultural commissioner’s office where they will hear information in English and Spanish.

“Our goal is to help people with their pesticide problems as quickly as possible,” Mary-Ann Warmerdam, director of the DPR said. “The 1-87PestLine is an important innovation that will help us and our local partners, the county agricultural commissioners, enforce pesticide laws and protect the public.”

The agency has long recognized that consumers are less likely to report pesticide injuries and illnesses, either because they do not know who to notify or they do not seek medical care. The department has found that even when people seek medical assistance, physicians often fail to report non-occupational cases to local health officials.

“Despite previous DPR outreach efforts, many people seem to be unaware of how to report pesticide complaints, or whom to call,” Warmerdam said. “The new 1-87PestLine will speed up reporting and response time. This could be especially helpful for illness investigations.”

Later this year, department will produce two new print guides for the public, one to provide assistance in pesticide emergencies, and a guide to help people understand the agency’s regulatory work and how they can participate in setting pesticide policies.