Understanding Pesticide Safety

Topic #2049

Aaron Gearhart

Danger!

• Pesticides are designed to kill insects and as such are inherently dangerous.

• Yet when used properly there is little chance of injury

http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs209.htm

Toxicity

• Term used to define the relative danger of a chemical.

• Acute toxicity (short term exposure)

• Chronic toxicity (long term exposure)

Toxicity Continued

• Toxicity is measured in terms of LD50

• LD50 is the amount of pesticide in milligrams or pesticide per kilogram of body weight required to kill 50% of a test animal population.

• Remember mg/kg

Exposure

• Exposure is defined as pesticide entry into the body in one of four ways

• Skin (dermal)• Mouth (oral)• Eyes (ocular)• Nose (inhalation)

Exposure Continued

• Pesticide entry into the body through the skin is the the most common and subtle path of entry.

• Oral exposure is responsible for 90% of pesticide related deaths.

http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs208.htm

Not to Fear Though

• Exposure to pesticides can be reduced by using protective clothing and safety devices.

http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/facts/facts.html

Thoughtfulness and use of appropriate clothing will reduce pesticide

exposure.

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

• The minimum amount of protective clothing needed when handling even the safest pesticides includes a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes and socks, rubber gloves, and goggles.

http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs211.htm

Pesticide Safety Tips

• Read the label before applying!

• Have water on site to wash off rubber gloves and in case of emergency

• Wash hands before smoking,eating, drinking or using the bathroom

Cleanup

• Clean equipment inside and out after use to prevent reactions and corrosion of metal parts.

http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs212.htm

Spill Cleanup

• Pesticide labels provide spill cleanup instructions. Use personal protective measures. Being able to handle spills and leaks safely is as important as correct chemical use.

• Disposal of used pesticide containers is also very important.

Triple rinse method

• The triple rinse method is simple and adequate:

• 1. Empty container and drain for 30 seconds • 2. Fill container 1/4 full with water • 3. Swirl, pour into spray tank, and drain for

30 seconds • 4. Complete steps 1 through 3 three times,

then puncture container to prevent re-use.

More Pesticide Safety Tips

• Wear all protective clothing listed on label

• Avoid contact lenses as they may absorb pesticide vapors

• Use and mix pesticides in a well ventilated area.

http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs209.htm

Even More Tips

• Examine area, are there any plants or animals that could be harmed by the pesticide?

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pesticides

Whats on a label?

• Trade Name• Common Name• Chemical Name• Ingredients• Formulation

(emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, dry flowables, granules etc.)

What’s on a Label Continued

• Name and address of manufacturer

• Used classification

• Toxicity

• Directions for use

• Precautionary statements

Signal Word

• Highly Toxic – Danger

• Moderately Toxic – Warning

• Slightly toxic – Caution

• (more info in handout)

Early Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms

• Fatigue• Headache• Nausea• Dizziness

Severe Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms

• Sweating • Stomach Cramps• Vomiting• Diarrhea• Blurred Vision

Treatment of Pesticide Poisoning

• Contact local emergency room or hospital

• Read product label for first aid instructions!

• Do not induce vomiting until you read the label

• Give product label to doctor to aid in diagnosing the problem.

First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning

• What follows are tips for what steps you can take that will precede but not substitute for medical advice

• Always call a physician or poison control center for treatment advice

First Aid Tips

• Poison on Skin – Irrigate the are with running water for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Poison in eye – Open eyelid and wash the eye with water for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Inhaled Poison – Take victim to fresh air. If unconscious, give artificial respiration.

• Swallowed Poison – If person is alert and able to swallow, dilute with sips of milk or water.

Conclusion

• These are just tips to get you started thinking about pesticide safety.

• In order to be certified you must take a course mandated by the state where you will learn more information.

• Pesticides must always be handled responsibly and safely!