Safe Use of Pesticides for a Sustainable Environment

byEngr. O.O.O. SodeDirector-NESREA(SW)

@ The 2-days training/workshop on application

and safe use of pesticidesUnder: The sustainable weed management

technologies for cassava systems in Nigeria project

Vigna Room, IITA, Ibadan

INTRODUCTION

• Chemicals are used in every facet of life and are present in a bewildering range of products and applications. Growing knowledge of the wide distribution and impact of chemicals in the environment and the human body has underscored the need for regulatory control and careful management. Agricultural herbicides are important subset of chemicals and pose grave challenges.

• The international community has taken several important initiatives to protect the environment and health from improper application of chemicals. These include the Montreal Protocol on protection of the ozone layer, the Basel Convention on the Tran boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.

• Although many of the chemicals addressed by the above initiatives are agricultural pesticides, these initiatives are predominantly led by organizations in the environmental sector. Consequently, the dialogue in various countries is primarily among the environment authorities. Special efforts are therefore required to better harmonize the work of the different sectors at national level, this we believe this workshop is aimed at achieving.

• Herbicides are designed to control pest plants (‘weeds’) and are useful in many situations for effective eradication. It is important to realise, however, that many herbicides are toxic to other ecosystems. Plants, invertebrates, amphibians and fish may be harmed when herbicide leach into a waterbody. Inappropriate use of herbicides may also cause significant risks to human health where water is pumped from a bore for domestic use, or flows to reservoirs.

The ‘NESREA ESTABLISHMENT ACT Section 27 reads: Any discharge in such harmful quantities of any hazardous

substance into the air or upon the land and the waters of Nigeria or at the adjoining shorelines is prohibited, except where such discharge is permitted or authorized under any law in force in

Nigeria.(F) A person must not undertake any activity that pollutes, or

might pollute, the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimize

any resulting environmental harm.Herbicides applied to the edge of a waterbody, or in wetted areas

around its edge, must be registered for use in aquatic environments by NESREA as stated in the National Environmental (wetlands, riverbanks and lakeshore protection) Regulations 2009

Other initiatives of the Agency

NESREA is playing a role on the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAP); a world

bank assisted programme aimed at making Agriculture more effective and productive.

The Agency role here is to educate, sensitize and enforce the banned chemicals and promote use of effective alternatives.

• A regulation on chemicals and pesticides control has been developed by the Agency and is near final gazetting

In ensuring effective use of chemicals to protectc the environment, the following measures should be

ensured;(a) Consider integrated pest management (IPM)Integrated pest management (IPM) is a planned

approach that coordinates environmentally acceptable methods of pest control with careful and

minimal use of toxic pesticides. IPM programs are based on a comprehensive assessment of local

conditions, including factors such as climate, season, the biology of the pest species, and government

regulations.

(b) Consult and plan

Draw up a calendar for action- The time of year when herbicides will be most effective on the weed should be

a major influence in the make-up of this calendar. Herbicides are generally most effective during the growing season of the weed rather than when it is

dormant or approaching dormancy. Consult with neighbours who may be affected by your weed control operation, especially if you think there is any risk of spray drift to adjoining properties. You may also decide to seek advice from experts before taking

further action, or approach commercial spray contractors to assess your particular situation.

© Understanding labels

Chemical labels are not for advertisment. They provide technical information designed to help you use the

contents correctly without causing personal or environmental harm. Labels contain information about

the product, including instructions for handling and information about the chemical’s toxicity.

Before using a chemical, read the label carefully. Pay particular attention to the toxicity warning and

directions for use.

Toxicity warningChemicals are either not classified (unscheduled) or

classified according to toxicity and listed as being either Schedule 5, Schedule 6 or Schedule 7 chemicals.

Directions for useThis section of the label provides detailed information

about the pests the chemical will control, the situations in which it can be used, how it is to be

applied and the rates at which it must be used. This information is usually presented in a table. Different

rates may be specified depending on methods of application and the

pest to be controlled.

Labels also include general information on:conditions required to achieve best results,

any other warnings such as possible effect of the product on plants or fauna,

mixing instructions ,storage of product,spills, cleanup, disposal of containers (EPR),

safety directions and first aid.

If in doubt, or require further information, seek advice or obtain a material safety data sheet (MSDS)

from the chemical supplier.

Accidents and emergency situations

= Preparation is the best defense against emergencies. = Appropriate emergency plan should be developed

to enable user handle situations when need be.

= Make sure you have access to appropriate emergency

equipment including protective clothing, spill containment and clean-up equipment.

= If chemical is splashed in the eye, wash it

immediately in running water for 15 minutes and call a doctor immediately.

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to safeguard against both acute and chronic herbicide poisoning and generally includes products that prevent absorption of herbicide through the skin or eyes, or by inhalation. PPE commonly recommended for use when

applying herbicide includes:goggles or face shield to protect the eyes ,chemical-resistant gloves to protect hands

overalls to protect legs, arms, torso (trunk) and groinrespirator with filter cartridges to prevent inhalation of

herbicide vapour or mistrubber or PVC boots to protect feet

washable or chemical-resistant hat to protect head and scalpuse PVC apron during mixing.

BEFORE YOU SPRAYIf you do decide to spray herbicides near waterbodies and other sensitive ecosystems, there is the need for a thorough risk assessment of the work. You should also consider the:feasibility/practicability of the required job ,physical characteristics of the job siteoptimal pest control method, including alternatives to herbicides characteristics of the herbicide (physical, chemical and environmental)potential environmental/health effects that may result from spraying activities.

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In addition, you should have a property management plan that considers the sensitivity of neighbouring land to any chemical use.You should also be mindful of:protected areas; buffer zones; possibility of spray drift; and other off-target migration weather conditions.You should also ensure good communication with your neighbours, both at the planning stages and prior to spraying.

Do you need to spray?

• It is recommended that only trained, licensed contractors should carry out spraying operations near fragile ecosystems, because of the sensitivity of these environments.

CONCLUSIONIn the tropics, nature designed soils to be kaolinite, therefore, when agro-inputs such as herbicides are

wrongly used, they are either leached or washed off and may enter into water body meant for human consumption. To curb this menace, soil testing is

important as this will enable us to know what the soil lacks or have in excess. This can help to check the pollution of our soils and associated ecosystem.

THANK YOUFOR YOUR ATTENTION

nesrea, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all Nigerians

www.nesrea.gov.ng08174634705-9