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

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 LD 50 LD 50 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.

Not to Fear Though Exposure to pesticides can be reduced by using protective clothing and safety devices.

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.

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.

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.

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!