Announcements

Pesticide Incidents or Concerns
Are you experiencing a pesticide-related emergency?
For example, if you are currently exposed to pesticide spray or drift, especially if you have serious health problems like difficulty breathing.

Please dial 9-1-1 for help.

Do you want to report a non-emergency pesticide incident or concern?
Call the Quechan Pesticides Control Office to report the incident. If calling outside of business hours, please leave a message.

You can find our number online (www.quechantribe.com) by clicking on the department’s tab or by calling 1-(760) 572-0771.

You can submit a report without giving your name (anonymously). Still, the Quechan Pesticides Control Office can follow up with a call if you do not leave any contact information.

What information will help the Quechan Pesticides Control Office investigate your report?
• The address or location where the incident occurred or is occurring
• The date and time of the incident
• If you or anyone else experienced or is experiencing any physical or other symptoms
• A brief description of the incident, including what you saw, smelled, or felt.
• Take pictures if possible.

In addition, providing your name, phone number, or email will help the investigation. Still, you do not have to give that information to the Quechan Pesticides Control Office to conduct the investigation. If you provide your name, the Quechan Pesticides Control Office will not share it with anyone unless you ask to be named in official reports. If you provide your contact information, the Quechan Pesticides Control Office will reply within the next business day.

Based on the information provided, the Quechan Pesticides Control Office will work to identify the individual(s) or business involved in the incident and conduct their investigation. The time to complete an investigation varies. You can call to request the name of the pesticide(s) involved in the incident—which can be shared once identified—and check on the progress of the investigation at any point in the process.

Are you at risk of being exposed to pesticides while at work?
You can report unsafe pesticide work conditions and potential pesticide use violations to the Quechan Pesticides Control Office without being punished or fired.
Employers are required by law to assure safe pesticide work conditions, including:
• Providing training before workers handle pesticides and before they work in treated fields
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination (washing) supplies.

Common Symptoms of Pesticide Exposure May Include
• Flu-like symptoms
(like tiredness, headache, or dizziness)
• Blurred vision
• Stuffy nose, sore throat, or coughing
• Eye, nose, or skin irritation
• Excessive sweating
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
• Nervousness, confusion, loss of coordination
• Difficulty breathing

Pesticide Illnesses
Are you experiencing symptoms from possible pesticide exposure?
• Call 9-1-1 for help if you or anyone else is seriously ill.
• Get help from a local hospital or healthcare provider immediately.
• For less severe cases, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, immediate first aid information and advice on what to do next. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Be sure to include that you may have been exposed to a pesticide. If the suspected pesticide exposure occurred at home or work, take a picture of the pesticide container or label and bring it when you call or seek care.

Were you exposed to pesticides while at work?
Ask your employer to take you to the doctor. Your employer is required by law to make sure you are taken to the doctor for a pesticide illness acquired on the job. The workers’ compensation covers medical costs.

Resources
For more information about what to do if you think pesticide exposure made you ill, please visit www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/quicklinks/whattodo.htm.