Protecting Yourself, Workers and Family from Pesticide Poisonings

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Protecting Yourself, Workers and Family from
Pesticide Poisonings
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What is a Pesticide?

• Insecticides
• Rodenticides
• Fungicides
• Herbicides

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Purchasing Pesticides

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

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Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Chemical identity
• Hazards
• Chemical physical make-up
• Fire/explosive data

• Health hazards
• Safe handling
• Spill control
• Appropriate use

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MSDS Availability

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

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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

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Absorption Rates (compared to forearm)
Body Part Absorption rate
Scalp 3.7
Forehead 4.2
Ear Canal 5.4
Abdomen 2.1
Forearm 1.0
Palm 1.3
Scrotal area 11.8
Ball of foot 1.6
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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

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Chronic Toxicity

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

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Protective Equipment

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

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Protective Equipment

• Always wear
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Full-length pants
• Splash goggles

• Moderate to severe toxicity requires
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber boots
• Chemical cartridge respirator

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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

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Mixing Pesticides

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

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Mixing Pesticides

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

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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

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Applying Pesticides

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

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Applying Pesticides

• Observe weather
• Spraying is prohibited on windy days!
• Dont apply in heavy rain
• Re-entry
• Dont enter sprayed areas until safe
• Post warnings around treated areas
• Know pre-harvest interval

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Cleaning Up

• Pressure wash all containers
• Keep cleaning supplies accessible

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Thoroughly Clean Equipment

• Spray with detergent and water
• Rinse tank, hose, nozzle
• Flush with clean water
• Store tank upside down

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Sanitize Clothing

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

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Safe Disposal

• Pesticides
• Containers
• Rinse water

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Storing Pesticides

• Well ventilated, dry area
• Keep storage area locked
• Use appropriate signage
• Keep in original container
• Dont keep excess on hand
• Dont store with livestock or with feed
• Dont store with protective equipment

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Pesticide Poisoning

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