Environment Safety Laboratory

Center for Analytical Chemistry

The Environmental Safety Laboratory is comprised of 5 laboratory sections whose primary role is to provide testing to local, State and Federal agencies that who work to protect farm workers, the environment and California’s citizens from exposure to agrochemicals.

Environmental Monitoring Laboratory

The Environmental Monitoring Laboratory performs analyses for the Department of Pesticide that are responsible for protecting the public and the environment from pesticide contamination through analyzing hazards and developing pollution prevention strategies. The laboratory provides state of the art testing for pesticide residues in water, soil, air, clothing, vegetation, etc., virtually everything except food. They also provide testing to monitor ground water and surface water under the Ground Water Protection Plan. The sophisticated processes can measure pesticide levels at the parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) levels.

For questions regarding the program, please contact the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Environmental Monitoring Branch at (916) 324-4039 or visit www.cdpr.ca.gov.

Worker Health and Safety Laboratory

The Worker Health and Safety Laboratory performs analyses in studies or projects designed to measure exposure of workers who apply pesticides. The data collected is used to determine regulations in the application of pesticides. Air, clothing, foliage and urine samples are analyzed at parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb), microgram/sple, microgram/sq. cm., and microgram/cubic cm. levels.

For questions regarding the program, please contact the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Worker Health and Safety Branch at (916) 445-4222 or visit www.cdpr.ca.gov.

Product Compliance Laboratory

The Product Compliance Laboratory analyzes pesticide products sold to the public to assure what is printed on the label matches what’s in the package (label guarantee) and to check for adulteration or contamination based on the guidelines set by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Products tested include samples collected at production facilities and retail outlets, as well as concentrates and tank mixes used by professional Pesticide Control Applicators, and samples related to human or animal hazards. Samples are analyzed at percentage and parts per million (ppm) levels.

For questions regarding the program, please contact the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Product Compliance Branch at (916) 445-4159 or visit www.cdpr.ca.gov.

Feed and Fertilizer Laboratory

The Feed and Fertilizer Laboratory provides testing of fertilizers, livestock feed and drugs. The Feed and Livestock Drug Inspection Program (FLDIP) is responsible for the enforcement of state law and regulations pertinent to the manufacturing, distribution and labeling of commercial livestock feed in California while preventing adulterated feed from being consumed by livestock and poultry. The laboratory provides testing in support of these activities. Test assays include aflatoxins, antibiotics and microscopic analysis of prohibitive materials such as BSE.

The Fertilizer Inspection Program (FIP) is responsible for regulating the distribution and labeling of fertilizer materials in California, registration of fertilizing material labels, and assists in ensuring that fertilizer is safe, effective, and meets the licensee’s claims and guarantees. The laboratory provides testing to assure what is printed on the label matches what’s in the package (label guarantee) and to check for adulteration or contamination based on the guidelines set by the program.

For questions regarding the program, please contact the Department of Food and Agriculture, Feed, Fertilizer, Livestock Drugs and Egg Regulatory Branch at (916) 445-0444 or visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs.

CDFA Pesticide Program Laboratory

CDFA Pest Eradication Projects

Laboratory testing of environmental monitoring samples (water, soil, air & foliage) from emergency eradication projects of unwanted pests that are detrimental to California's agricultural crops is an important component of the eradication process. These tests help to ensure spray tanks are cleaned properly, the appropriate level of pesticide is used and monitor the actual levels of pesticide that are found in and around the treatment areas. Current eradication projects include, Light brown Apple Moth (LBAM), Japanese Beetle, Japanese Dodder, Diaprepes Root Weevil and Hydrilla. Other projects include testing of certain commodities for export. Measurements are made in the parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) levels.

Interdepartmental Contracts

Department of Boating and Waterways: Analysis of environmental monitoring samples during treatment of aquatic weeds following the guidelines of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination system (NPDES). Measurements are in the parts per billion (ppb) levels.