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Pesticides and PARC

​​Contact

To report a pesticide incident that has impacted people, animals, or the environment, call 503-986-6470. ​​Your phone call will be routed 24 hours a day to 211info specialists, who will take your information. PARC staffers will contact you within one business day. ​


Warren Hanson
PARC Coordinator
Christina Higby
Citizen Advocate Liaison
Gilbert Uribe Valdez
PARC Board Administrator
​​Need to make a pesticide use complaint? 
Pesticide complaints webpage

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Pesticide Analytical and Response Center (PARC) was created by executive order in 1978. The program was reauthorized in 1991 under the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) as ORS 634.550​. 

​PARC responds to pesticide-related incidents in Oregon with suspected health or environmental effects. It acts as a central location that receives Oregon-specific pesticide incident information. The main activities PARC is mandated to perform are: 

  • Collect incident information, 
  • mobilize expertise for investigations,  
  • identify trends and patterns of problems,  
  • make policy or other recommendations for action,  
  • report results of investigations, and  
  • prepare activity reports for each legislative session. 

PARC does not have regulatory authority. It relies on member agencies to conduct investigations and take necessary enforcement actions. In these cases, PARC provides assistance between agencies and relevant groups. This includes collecting and distributing case information from member agencies, communication, and incident coordination. 

Case information is used to identify trends and patterns about incidents in Oregon. From there, PARC may develop outreach/training materials or provide recommendations for legislative changes. ​

Community member sought for PARC Board

We're looking for applicants to join the PARC board as a community representative. This is an opportunity to learn more about pesticides in Oregon and contribute a unique perspective to the other board members. We are particularly interested in an Oregon resident who will provide input on possible public education and outreach, effective communication with the public, recommended actions, and prevention of future pesticide incident occurrences (risk mitigation). For more information, see the solicitation notice​. To apply, go to the application form​. Deadline to apply is October 30, 2024.​

​​Pesticide incident response information

Coordinating Oregon's Response to Pesticide Incidents

PARC's pesticide-incident response process

PARC Member Agencies' SOP Summaries

Abbreviated look at PARC members' standard operating procedures. PARC's operating procedures

What To Do If You Are Exposed to Pesticides information

Steps to take if exposed to pesticides

Request for Pesticide Information from a Health Care Professional

Pesticide use request form for health-care providers treating patients exposed to pesticides. Submit to PARC when completed via fax, 503.986.4735, or email parc@oda.oregon.gov​. Pesticide use request form for health-care providers

PARC reports​​

Upcoming PARC board meetings

Meetings are from 9 a.m. to noon, unless noted 

  • ​November 20​, 2024​

PARC board meeting materials​​​​



Resources and Information

Fact Sheet: Pesticide Disposal

Pesticide Disposal Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Pesticide Storage

Pesticide Storage Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Transportation and Spills

Transportation and Spills Fact Sheet

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)

NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Pesticide Information Center website

PARC Public Member Application

This form will assist the Oregon Department of Agriculture Director and Oregon Health Authority Director in evaluating applicants for appointment as the public member to the Pesticide Analytical and Response Center Board. Form

Pesticide Exposure, Safety and Tracking (PEST) Program

Discusses ways to reduce pesticide-related illness and injury by surveying incidences and educating the public. Pesticide Exposure, Safety and Tracking Program website

Pesticide Use Regulations and Water Protections in Forestry FAQ

FAQ document

Recognition and management of pesticide poisonings

Reference guide for health-care providers. Recognition and management of pesticide poisonings website

Reconocimiento y Manejo de los Envenenamientos por Pesticidas (Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings)

Reconocimiento y Manejo de los Envenenamientos por Pesticidas website

PARC-member agencies and current representative

PARC co-chairs: Warren Hanson, Jen Seamans

PARC Board A​dministrator: Gilbert Uribe Valdez

Oregon Health Autho​​rity (OHA): Jen Seamans 

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODF&W): Becky Anthony 

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): David Gruen 

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF): Stacy Savona 

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR OSHA): Ted Bunch 

Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM): Mark​ Johnston 

Oregon Poison Center (OPC): Charisse Pizarro-Osilla 

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