EPA Sunsets Temporary Guidance on Respiratory Protection for Agricultural Pesticide Handlers During COVID-19

For Release: August 10, 2021

In June 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued temporary guidance that offered flexibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency to agricultural employers and pesticide handlers regarding respiratory protection requirements related to pesticide uses covered by the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Due to improvements in access to NIOSH-approved respirators, fit testing supplies and related services, EPA is terminating the June 2020 guidance and its May 2021 amendment, effective August 19, 2021.

EPA remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all communities, especially during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The decision to end flexibilities under the memoranda is in alignment with federal agency guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that entities should no longer use crisis capacity strategies for respirators and should promptly resume conventional practices.

To read the memorandum addressing this termination, please visit the COVID-19 Enforcement and Compliance Resources web page.

To learn more about EPA’s WPS, click here.