Protecting Yourself, Workers and Family from Pesticide Poisonings

What is a Pesticide? Insecticides Rodenticides Fungicides Herbicides

Purchasing Pesticides Read the label! Follow directions exactly Look for EPA registration number Obtain Material Safety Data Sheet

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Chemical identity Hazards Chemical & physical make-up Fire/explosive data Health hazards Safe handling Spill control Appropriate use

MSDS Availability Supplier of chemical/pesticide Manufacturer Phone number on labels On-line

Toxicity Amount of pesticide needed to cause harm Risks can be minor or lethal Chemical absorption rates vary by points of entry: Dermal (skin) oral (mouth) eyes

Absorption Rates (compared to forearm) Body PartAbsorption rate Scalp3.7 Forehead4.2 Ear Canal5.4 Abdomen2.1 Forearm1.0 Palm1.3 Scrotal area11.8 Ball of foot1.6

Acute Toxicity Measurement of potential harm Toxicity classifications Class I: Danger – Poison! (in red) Highly toxic Class II: Warning Moderately toxic Class III and IV: Caution Slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic

Chronic Toxicity Danger of repeated exposure Birth defects Nervous disorders Tumors Cholinesterase inhibition Confusion of nervous system

Protective Equipment Read label to determine protection Consider nature of work performed Consider points of entry Dermal, oral, eyes

Protective Equipment Always wear Long-sleeved shirt Full-length pants Splash goggles Moderate to severe toxicity requires Rubber gloves Rubber boots Chemical cartridge respirator

Mixing Pesticides Follow directions carefully Learn formulations Use only recommended amount Use only on site listed Do not use heavy containers Use appropriate measuring tools

Mixing Pesticides Keep hands away from face Pour liquids on a flat surface Open powders with scissors Do not put your hands in pesticides!

Mixing Pesticides Mix in well ventilated area Check weather conditions Close all containers when finished

Loading Pesticides Select job appropriate equipment Back toward the wind Use anti-siphoning device Fill tank with water first Add pesticides away from water source Load pesticides in field

Applying Pesticides Set appropriate delivery rate Use recommended speed Check sprayer Loose connections Worn hoses Clogged equipment

Applying Pesticides Observe weather Spraying is prohibited on windy days! Don’t apply in heavy rain Re-entry Don’t enter sprayed areas until safe Post warnings around treated areas Know pre-harvest interval

Cleaning Up Pressure wash all containers Keep cleaning supplies accessible

Thoroughly Clean Equipment Spray with detergent and water Rinse tank, hose, nozzle Flush with clean water Store tank upside down

Sanitize Clothing Wash gloves Wash clothing separate from family laundry Take a shower immediately Throw away heavily contaminated clothing

Safe Disposal Pesticides Containers Rinse water

Storing Pesticides Well ventilated, dry area Keep storage area locked Use appropriate signage Keep in original container Don’t keep excess on hand Don’t store with livestock or with feed Don’t store with protective equipment

Pesticide Poisoning Know symptoms of poisoning from products used Post emergency numbers by phone Poison control Physician Hospital Always keep labels & MSDS handy!