Social Sustainability
Re-Entry Interval
Definition
A re-entry interval (or restricted entry interval) is the period after pesticide application during which entry into the treated area is prohibited or restricted, set to allow residues on foliage and surfaces to decline to levels safe for unprotected workers. Intervals are specified on product labels based on toxicity and dissipation data — typically from 12 hours to several days — and are legally enforceable under worker protection rules such as the US EPA Worker Protection Standard.
References
Source imported for editorial provenance.
This reference provides supporting context for how “Re-Entry Interval” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The concept is used in pesticide regulation, farm safety training, incident investigation and supply chain labour standards for agriculture.
Why it matters
Re-entry intervals are a simple, enforceable control that stands between lawful spraying and routine poisoning of the people who harvest the world's food.