CASPIR
Back to Reporting Pesticide Problems
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has launched a new mobile app – CASPIR (California's System for Pesticide Incident Reporting) which provides a quick and easy way to report pesticide incidents in California from mobile phones and tablets. DPR's mission is to protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use and by fostering reduced-risk pest management strategies. DPR and county agricultural commissioners (CACs) respond to pesticide incidents, complaints and questions. Various methods, including email and telephone, are currently available to report pe sticide incidents and concerns. Recognizing that some pesticide incidents, including injuries and illnesses, may go unreported, CASPIR offers another convenient way to report a pesticide illness, incident or concern, quickly, 24 hours-a-day.
How it works
As designed, CASPIR receives incoming reports of pesticide incidents and then routes them to DPR's Enforcement Branch and the appropriate CAC. Features of the mobile app include the ability to attach photographs and videos, capture GPS coordinates, allow incident status tracking, and provide the ability to report anonymously, 24 hours- a-day. It is available in both English and Spanish. The initial outreach for the app focuses on farmworkers in the agricultural setting. However, DPR expects this tool to be valuable in non-agricultural settings as well since nearly two-thirds of all pesticide illnesses investigated in California occur in such places as homes, institutions, factories, restaurants and swimming pools.
Background
With partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region IX, DPR contracted to develop the app and then engaged a broad range of interest groups to review and provide input for CASPIR. Numerous suggestions and ideas from worker advocates, CACs and agricultural interests have contributed greatly to the version that is currently in use. As use and awareness of the app increases, DPR anticipates that new ideas and suggestions will continue to improve the value and usefulness of the app.
Reporting incidents
Traditional methods of reporting pesticide incidents remain available including contacting a local CAC, DPR or California EPA by email or phone.
Anyone may also call the Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222. However, CASPIR uses mobile technology for pesticide incident reporting and offers a means for people to report incidents more quickly, securely and with more detail. In a pesticide emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Download the free app on Google Play or App Store (for Apple iOS devices).