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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!