Reporting Incidents of Exposure to Pesticides
If you, your family, wildlife, or the environment have been affected by exposure to pesticides you are strongly advised to report it. The department to contact depends on the type of incident that you wish to report. Such incidents are taken very seriously but they need to be reported as soon as possible after the incident for an effective investigation to be undertaken.
The information obtained from these schemes alerts the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) to any issues as they arise and could result in a reassessment of pesticide product approvals. Evidence obtained is also used to enforce legislation on the responsible use of these chemicals.
Contact Information
|
Incidents involving |
Department/Agency |
Contact No. |
|---|---|---|
|
People |
Health & Safety Executive |
0845 345 0055 |
|
Environment |
Environment Agency |
0800 807060 |
|
Wildlife, livestock or pets |
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) |
0800 321600 |
Please note that if you wish to report an incident involving pesticides where you believe you or someone else may have been affected please make this clear when calling the 0845 345 0055 number otherwise you may be incorrectly referred back to the CRD Information line.
If the Incident involves People
If you feel unwell or are worried about your health, you should seek medical advice. If possible obtain as much information about the spray that caused the incident as you can as this will help your GP or doctor. All health professionals have access to specialised advice and information through the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS). Once you have done this, you can report the incident to the HSE on 0845 345 0055 who will put you in touch with the relevant HSE Office nearest to the area where the incident took place.
What Information do I need to give to the HSE Helpline ?
Get as much information as you possibly can about the product involved from the product label, the person using the product or the manufacturer.
It is especially important to get the name of the manufacturer, the product name and active ingredient(s), and the registration number (if the product has one). This information can be found on the label and the registration number should have a prefix of ‘MAFF or MAPP’. If possible have the actual product label or the product safety data sheet available. It is also important to give details of:
- When, where and how the exposure happened
- How long the exposure lasted
- Whether there were any extreme weather conditions at the time (for example high winds or a very hot or cold day).
If the Incident involves the Environment
If you think that the environment has been polluted then the incident should be reported to the Environment Agency (EA) as they are responsible for preventing the pollution of watercourses. Environment Agency inspectors will investigate reported cases of water pollution caused by pesticides and will take the necessary enforcement action. The Environment Agency is also responsible for preventing the contamination of land, and has powers to prosecute anyone deliberately or negligently contaminating land. You can contact the EA on 0800 807060; if contamination happens in Scotland please contact the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on the same number.
If the Incident involves Wildlife, Livestock or Pets
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) runs the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) which investigates the deaths, not just of wildlife, but also of livestock and some pets, where there is evidence that pesticide poisoning may be involved. If you believe that livestock or pets have been affected or you find the remains of any wildlife that has died in suspicious circumstances please report this to WIIS on Freephone number 0800 321600.
Enforcing Pesticide Use
We also have produced guidance about the enforcement of pesticides. This includes further information on the areas the different Government Departments are responsible for enforcing.
Once we approve a pesticide there are pesticide monitoring programmes that ensure that pesticides are being used correctly. This is so that pesticides do not compromise the safety of food, water or affect people’s health.
The Campaign against illegal poisoning
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS)
The Wildlife Incident Unit - Reporting an Incident
What is being done to minimise pesticide use
Pesticide monitoring programmes
Guidance about the enforcement of pesticides