Using Available Tools to Make Wise Safety Decisions Amber D. Vallotton Crop & Soil Environmental Science Agent Virginia Cooperative Extension- Rockingham County 540/

Important Tools we Can Use STUDY & KNOW the LABEL…Primary –Pesticide Classification (GU vs. RU) –Signal Words (Caution, Warning, Danger) –Precautionary Statements Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals First Aid Environmental Hazards Physical/Chemical Hazards PPE Required –Directions for Use Statements –Storage and Disposal Statements MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)…Secondary

Pesticide Classification Focus on Restricted Use PesticidesFocus on Restricted Use Pesticides –Are all RU products highly toxic? IT DEPENDS! There may be other reasons product is RU –Mainly, classification used as a risk-reduction measure –Ensures that only trained / certified people can purchase and use the product –Examples…

RUP Examples… Trade NameActive IngredientOral LD 50 Classification Baythroid 2Ecyfluthrin400Restricted Use Lorsban 4Echlorpyrifos Restricted Use Warrior w/Zeon 1EC lambda-cyhalothrin79Restricted Use Roundup Original Max glyphosate (potassium salt) General Use Pursuitimazethapyr>5000General Use Surmountpicloram + fluroxypyr> 5000Restricted Use Which RU pesticide above is most toxic? Use Clues: Oral LD 50  Lowest Oral LD 50 = MOST TOXIC

Toxicity Clues The LD 50 is NOT on the label…need to find it on the MSDS, so need to look for other clues about toxicity: Signal WordsSignal Words used to convey degree of toxicity of product Also tells you whether product is caustic (burns) or is an environmental hazard Signal WordsSignal Words –CAUTION: Slightly toxic –WARNING: Moderately toxic –DANGER: Highly toxic or hazardous in some manner, and may cause acute illness from oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure OR cause severe eye or skin irritation

Precautionary Statements Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals –Exposure concerns First Aid Issues –How to respond to accidental poisoning Environmental Hazards –Toxicity to bees, wildlife, fish, aquatic organisms, etc. –Groundwater concerns –Persistence in environment –Volatilization issues –Spray Drift Concerns –Resistance management issues Physical/Chemical Hazards PPE Required Some Examples…

Precautionary Statements Precautionary Statements  Provide some KEY Safety Clues…. Oral LD 50 = 79

Oral LD 50 = 400

Oral LD 50 =

Directions for Use Statements Agricultural Use and/or Nonagricultural Use Requirements –REI –PPE –Worker Notification WPS Agricultural Use Requirements Environmental Issues, Endangered Species, etc.Environmental Issues, Endangered Species, etc. (provides more detail regarding “Precautionary Statements”) Other Special StatementsOther Special Statements Application Directions

Another Example… Trade NameActive IngredientOral LD 50 Special Notes Surmountpicloram + fluroxypyr> 5000Restricted Use Case where RUP, LD 50 high (less toxic), YET signal word is “DANGER”…

Oral LD 50 = > 5000 Other Special Statements showing why RUP…

MSDS is one more important tool about safety concerns You can use this tool to help better understand safety concerns!! Available from product manufacturer But remember… LABEL is your primary source of use instructions!

Laundering Refresher…

Guidelines for Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing Consult product label & consider product formulation Consult product label & consider product formulation DISCARD! – If soaked with highly toxic (key words) or concentrated pesticide, DISCARD! DISCARD! – If clothing cannot be decontaminated, DISCARD! Basics of Washing Basics of Washing – Separate from other laundry – Minimize risk of exposure by washing ASAP! – Pre-soak and pre-treat before washing – Use heavy duty detergent with HOT WATER set on extra-large and longest wash setting – Double-rinse – Run empty through a complete cycle using hot water and detergent – Line dry to allow sun to bleach

2008 Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program If you live in Rockingham County, look for PPCRP this Spring Check at local Coop or call Amber Vallotton at VCE- RC office for details

THANK YOU!! Any Questions??