Web-based

If you are looking for a source of objective, science-based information about pesticides—written for the nonexpert—then the EXTOXNET (EXTension TOXicology NETwork) InfoBase may be for you. For example, you can access the Pesticide Information Profiles (PIPs) for specifics on pesticides. Toxicology Information Briefs (TIBs) discuss concepts in toxicology and environmental chemistry. Other areas include: Toxicology Issues of Concern (TICs), Fact- sheets, News about Toxicology Issues, Newsletters, Resources for Toxicology Information, and Technical Information.

A new feature, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), answers questions about toxicants and the environment, how toxicants might affect you, and how you might become aware of possible hazards around you. Topics include

• Adverse health effects and risk
• Diet and cancer
• Food safety
Household hazardous waste
• Indoor air
• Laws and regulations
• Pesticides
• Safe drinking water
• Soil (gardening and chemicals)

EXTOXNET (http://ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet/) is an effort of University of California–Davis, Oregon State University, Michigan State University, Cornell University, and the University of Idaho. Its purpose is to stimulate dialoue on toxicology issues, develop and make available information relevant to Extension toxicology, and facilitate the exchange of toxicology-related information.

Phone-based

National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) is a toll-free telephone service that provides pesticide information to any caller in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. It provides objective, science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, including pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisoning, toxicology, and environmental chemistry.

NPTN is staffed by highly qualified pesticide specialists who have the toxicology and environmental chemistry education and training needed to provide knowledgeable answers to pesticide questions. The NPTN is a source of factual chemical, health, and environmental information about more than 600 pesticide active ingredients incorporated into over 50,000 different products registered for use in the United States since 1947. NPTN can

• help callers interpret and understand toxicology and environmental chemistry information about pesticides

• supply general information on regulation of pesticides in the United States
• access over 300 pesticide resources
• access pesticide label information
• direct callers for pesticide incident investigation, emergency human and animal treatment, safety practices, cleanup and disposal, or laboratory analyses

Excluding holidays, you can call NPTN seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (CST) at (800)858-7378. You can also contact NPTN by fax (541)737-0761) or by e-mail (nptn@ace.orst.edu). NPTN also has a Web site (http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/index.html) that offers objective, science-based information about pesticides.