Fumigant Poisonings Fumigant Poisonings and PPEand PPE

"It is not my contention that chemicals never be used. I do contend that we have put poisonous and biologically potent chemicals in the hands of

persons largely or wholly ignorant of their potential harm" (Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1964)

MSU Pesticide Education ProgramMSU Pesticide Education Program

Montana Department of AgricultureMontana Department of Agriculture

Pesticide Poisoning is common in Pesticide Poisoning is common in Montana.Montana.

31% of private applicators surveyed have been at least mildly 31% of private applicators surveyed have been at least mildly poisoned by exposure to pesticides. Always minimize bad habits poisoned by exposure to pesticides. Always minimize bad habits

while wearing recommended PPE to minimize exposure.while wearing recommended PPE to minimize exposure.

Why are they not protecting themselves? Why are they not protecting themselves? ‘practical reasons’‘practical reasons’

Applicators Focus on Acute ToxicityApplicators Focus on Acute Toxicity

Toxicity which occurs within seconds, Toxicity which occurs within seconds, minutes or hours.minutes or hours.

Applicators focus on acute toxicity Applicators focus on acute toxicity and corresponding signal words..and corresponding signal words..

Signal Words / LD50Signal Words / LD50

Caution (Category IV) Caution (Category IV) You can drink the stuff You can drink the stuff

Table 2. Signal words found on pesticide labels.

Chronic ToxicityChronic Toxicity

Long Term ExposureLong Term Exposure– Many repeated low dose exposuresMany repeated low dose exposures

DefinitionDefinition EPA mandates testing for chronic toxicity of:EPA mandates testing for chronic toxicity of:

– Active ingredients onlyActive ingredients only Usually on ratsUsually on rats This is very expensiveThis is very expensive Chronic toxicity statements are placed on the Chronic toxicity statements are placed on the

product label (carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive product label (carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive damage, etc..)damage, etc..)

Some of our “Safest” chemicalsSome of our “Safest” chemicals

Chronic Affects EvidentChronic Affects Evident– Immune system problemsImmune system problems– Sores, RashesSores, Rashes

Does ‘Caution’ indicate PPE is not Does ‘Caution’ indicate PPE is not needed?needed?

Often disregarding PPE statements Often disregarding PPE statements on pesticides which show low acute on pesticides which show low acute toxicitytoxicity

Signal Word

PPE

Bad Habits also lead to Pesticide Bad Habits also lead to Pesticide PoisoningPoisoning

Alarmingly, 25% of applicators surveyed ingested food Alarmingly, 25% of applicators surveyed ingested food while applying pesticides without washing hands prior! This while applying pesticides without washing hands prior! This

increases exposure dramatically and may be extremely increases exposure dramatically and may be extremely dangerous. This may lead to acute or chronic pesticide dangerous. This may lead to acute or chronic pesticide

poisoning.poisoning.

Have you eaten during the mixing or application of

pesticides?

25%

75%

Yes

No

More bad habits….More bad habits…. 70% of all applicators surveyed removed gloves at some 70% of all applicators surveyed removed gloves at some

point in their career while repairing spray equipment.point in their career while repairing spray equipment. 9% never wore gloves to begin with.9% never wore gloves to begin with.

Did you remove gloves while repairing equipment?

70%

19%

9% 2%

Removed gloves while repairing equipment.

Wore gloves while repairing equipment.

Never wore gloves to begin with.

Gloves were not recommended on the product label.

Montana Poisonings: Why?Montana Poisonings: Why? Bad HabitsBad Habits

– Eating while applying pesticides (25%)Eating while applying pesticides (25%)– Chewing and smoking while applying Chewing and smoking while applying

pesticides (20%)pesticides (20%) ShortcutsShortcuts

– Not wearing proper PPE (58%)Not wearing proper PPE (58%)– Taking gloves off (79% of applicators)Taking gloves off (79% of applicators)

Recurring focus on only Acute ToxicityRecurring focus on only Acute Toxicity

MSU PEP is trying to remind applicators to focus on just letting history be our guide!

Are applicators protecting others from Are applicators protecting others from pesticides?pesticides?

Do you wear PPE that is required on the product label while applying pesticides?

42%

47%

11%

Wear requiredPPE whileapplyingpesticides

Do not wearrequired PPEwhile applyingpesticides

While applyingpesticides, didnot know whatwas on theproduct label

Reading the product label can help Reading the product label can help you!you!

*It can minimize risk towards yourself or your family.

(Thursday) February 4, 2010(Thursday) February 4, 2010

Brenda Toone called Bugman Pest Brenda Toone called Bugman Pest and Lawn because vole problems still and Lawn because vole problems still existed after a previous application existed after a previous application of Ramik Brown was made on the of Ramik Brown was made on the propertyproperty

(Friday) February 5, 2010(Friday) February 5, 2010

Cole Nocks arrived at 8:30 am and treated 6-7 vole holes with Cole Nocks arrived at 8:30 am and treated 6-7 vole holes with 1.2 lbs of Fumitoxin pellets (according to his invoice)1.2 lbs of Fumitoxin pellets (according to his invoice)

Mrs. Toone smelled an odor immediately after the applicationMrs. Toone smelled an odor immediately after the application Mr Nocks told Mrs. Toone that “the product was heavier than air Mr Nocks told Mrs. Toone that “the product was heavier than air

and would not come out of the soil” and that it would “kill the and would not come out of the soil” and that it would “kill the critters”critters”

The entire family was out of the house from 10:00 am to 2:05 The entire family was out of the house from 10:00 am to 2:05 pmpm

When the family returned home at 2:05 pm the CO2 monitor was When the family returned home at 2:05 pm the CO2 monitor was going offgoing off

(Friday) February 5, 2010(Friday) February 5, 2010 Mrs. Toone smelled a “strong pungent odor” in Mrs. Toone smelled a “strong pungent odor” in

the garagethe garage At 2:18 pm Mrs. Toone called Bugman Pest and At 2:18 pm Mrs. Toone called Bugman Pest and

Lawn and left a message worried about the odor Lawn and left a message worried about the odor (no return phone call was made by the (no return phone call was made by the Company). The Co. denies receiving a callCompany). The Co. denies receiving a call

At 2:22 pm Mrs. Toone called Layton City Fire At 2:22 pm Mrs. Toone called Layton City Fire Department (FD) to report the CO2 monitor going Department (FD) to report the CO2 monitor going offoff

Layton City FD arrived on the scene and checked Layton City FD arrived on the scene and checked for CO2 leaks. Finding no CO2 readings on their for CO2 leaks. Finding no CO2 readings on their devices the FD left the propertydevices the FD left the property

(Saturday) February 6, 2010(Saturday) February 6, 2010

The mother was gone from the house all dayThe mother was gone from the house all day Everyone else in the family got sick (nausea and Everyone else in the family got sick (nausea and

vomiting).vomiting). At 7:52 pm Rebecca is transferred by ambulance At 7:52 pm Rebecca is transferred by ambulance

to Davis Hospital and Medical Center in to Davis Hospital and Medical Center in cardiopulmonary arrest. Resuscitative efforts cardiopulmonary arrest. Resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful.were unsuccessful.

At 8:35 pm 4-yr. old Rebecca Toone passed awayAt 8:35 pm 4-yr. old Rebecca Toone passed away

(Sunday) February 7, 2010(Sunday) February 7, 2010

Rachel Toone, age 15 months, developed Rachel Toone, age 15 months, developed shortness of breath, was taken to Primary shortness of breath, was taken to Primary Children’s Medical CenterChildren’s Medical Center

Rachel Toone was in critical condition and put on Rachel Toone was in critical condition and put on life supportlife support

Rachel Toone was taken off of life support on Rachel Toone was taken off of life support on Tuesday, February 9 and passed away shortly Tuesday, February 9 and passed away shortly thereafter as a result of Phosphine exposure thereafter as a result of Phosphine exposure (according to the Medical Examiner)(according to the Medical Examiner)

Application sites: What is the Application sites: What is the problem?problem?

Front PorchFront Porch Walkway and DrivewayWalkway and Driveway

On Site InformationOn Site Information National Guard take National Guard take

phosphine gas readings in phosphine gas readings in throughout the house throughout the house – (17.8 to 25 ppm in area (17.8 to 25 ppm in area

by front door)by front door)– (5 to 25 ppm at top of (5 to 25 ppm at top of

stairs)stairs)– (up to 48 ppm in (up to 48 ppm in

garage)garage) Pellets are put in a 55 Pellets are put in a 55

gallon garbage can with gallon garbage can with water to destroy the water to destroy the product (wet method)product (wet method)

UDAF allowed onto the UDAF allowed onto the premises Monday at 1:30 premises Monday at 1:30 pm and allowed in the pm and allowed in the house at 5:30 pmhouse at 5:30 pm

Mistakes made by Applicator: Mistakes made by Applicator: Fumitoxin Label RequirementsFumitoxin Label Requirements

THIS PRODUCT MUST NOT BE APPLIED INTO A BURROW THIS PRODUCT MUST NOT BE APPLIED INTO A BURROW SYSTEM THAT IS SYSTEM THAT IS WITHINWITHIN 15 FEET 15 FEET OF A BUILDING THAT OF A BUILDING THAT IS, OR MAY BE, OCCUPIED BY HUMANS, AND/OR ANIMALS IS, OR MAY BE, OCCUPIED BY HUMANS, AND/OR ANIMALS ESPECIALLY RESIDENCES. ESPECIALLY RESIDENCES.

Prior to treating a rodent burrow on a property Prior to treating a rodent burrow on a property containing an inhabited structure, the applicant must containing an inhabited structure, the applicant must provide the customer (e.g. homeowner) with a provide the customer (e.g. homeowner) with a MSDS or MSDS or appropriate sections of the Applicator’s Manualappropriate sections of the Applicator’s Manual..

Use application procedures appropriate to the type of Use application procedures appropriate to the type of burrow system being treated. burrow system being treated. DOSAGE RATES MUST NOT DOSAGE RATES MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCESBE EXCEEDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES..

NO FMP; FMP’s mandatory prior to all applicationsNO FMP; FMP’s mandatory prior to all applications

FUMIGANTSFUMIGANTSSpecific Specific GravityGravity

OdorOdor FlammabilityFlammability

ChloropicrinChloropicrin 1.691.69 YesYes NoNo

ChlorineChlorine 1.471.47 YesYes NoNo

DazometDazomet 0.6*0.6* No/YesNo/Yes No/YesNo/Yes

1,3 – Dichloropene1,3 – Dichloropene 1.28*1.28* YesYes YesYes

EthyleneEthylene 0.98*0.98* YesYes YesYes

Ethylene OxideEthylene Oxide 0.86*0.86* No/YesNo/Yes Yes!Yes!

Metam-SodiumMetam-Sodium 1.21*1.21* YesYes NoNo

Methyl IodideMethyl Iodide 2.282.28 YesYes NoNo

Methyl BromideMethyl Bromide 3.273.27 NoNo NoNo

Al/Mg PhosphideAl/Mg Phosphide 1.2*1.2* NoNo NoNo

Sulfuryl FluorideSulfuryl Fluoride 3.273.27 NoNo NoNo

How does alluminum phosphide How does alluminum phosphide work?work?

Phosphine gas is a product of the reaction between Phosphine gas is a product of the reaction between Aluminum Phosphide and waterAluminum Phosphide and water

Phosphine gas is highly mobile and given enough time may Phosphine gas is highly mobile and given enough time may penetrate seemingly gas-tight materials such as concrete penetrate seemingly gas-tight materials such as concrete and cinder block.and cinder block.

If the structure is to be entered after fumigation, it must be If the structure is to be entered after fumigation, it must be aerated until the level of phosphine gas is 0.3 ppm or aerated until the level of phosphine gas is 0.3 ppm or below.below.

CoolCool DryDry ==SlowSlow

Warm Humid = Fast

Relative Speed

0.3 ppm or more in the atmosphere0.3 ppm or more in the atmosphere This level is usually not detectable by smellThis level is usually not detectable by smell At 1 ppm or more, smell become a factor (garlic or At 1 ppm or more, smell become a factor (garlic or

rotten fish odor from the warning agent), but damage rotten fish odor from the warning agent), but damage to the body is taking place.to the body is taking place.

1 ppm is = 1 drop of water 1 ppm is = 1 drop of water in an Olympic sizein an Olympic size

swimming poolswimming pool

Primarily through the respiratory tractPrimarily through the respiratory tract Exposure secondarily occurs through the Exposure secondarily occurs through the

eyes and ear drumseyes and ear drums Skin exposure can also occur and can be Skin exposure can also occur and can be

serious at chafe points around the waist. serious at chafe points around the waist. Especially where sweat accumulates.Especially where sweat accumulates.

Hence one of the Hence one of the reasons for wearing reasons for wearing loose fitting clothesloose fitting clothes

Mild allergic type reaction: sneezing, itchy eyes, Mild allergic type reaction: sneezing, itchy eyes, tearing, coughing, tightness of breathtearing, coughing, tightness of breath

Irritation of the mucus membranes in the noseIrritation of the mucus membranes in the nose Burning sensation in the sinus, throat, & lungsBurning sensation in the sinus, throat, & lungs Inability to catch breathInability to catch breath Dizziness, ringing in ears, nausea & vomitingDizziness, ringing in ears, nausea & vomiting Staggering & tremorsStaggering & tremors Loss of urinary and/or bowel controlLoss of urinary and/or bowel control Fatigue and loss of consciousness Fatigue and loss of consciousness

Phosphoric acid is formed.Phosphoric acid is formed.

Body reactions are dependent upon the weight, health, & age of the victim as well as the duration and intensity of the exposure.

No link to cancer or birth defects knownNo link to cancer or birth defects known Chronic bronchitis / susceptibility to Chronic bronchitis / susceptibility to

pneumonia pneumonia Exposure to phosphine can act as a triggering Exposure to phosphine can act as a triggering

event to cause other serious disordersevent to cause other serious disorders

These include: Allergic Respiratory impairment Nervous system impairment

Phosphine exposure can trigger the Phosphine exposure can trigger the onset of nervous system disorders in onset of nervous system disorders in people with compromised systems:people with compromised systems:– Parkinson's Disease (muscle rigidity, Parkinson's Disease (muscle rigidity,

tremor, a slowing of physical movement)tremor, a slowing of physical movement)– Neuropathy from other pesticide Neuropathy from other pesticide

exposures (numbness in extremities)exposures (numbness in extremities)– Multiple sclerosis (your Multiple sclerosis (your

immune system attacks your immune system attacks your nervous system) nervous system)

Protective ClothingProtective Clothing

0-0.3ppm

No Respiratory Protection Required

Respiratory ProtectionRespiratory Protection

0.3-15ppm = Full face canister mask

Above 15ppm or unknown concentration =SCBA

38

Handlers who use respirators must be:Handlers who use respirators must be:

fit-testedfit-tested

trainedtrained

physically fit to wear a physically fit to wear a respirator*respirator*

* http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9783

Module 5: Protections for Handlers & Workers

You and your handlers should know how to:You and your handlers should know how to:

aerate the target site and verify that it aerate the target site and verify that it contains no more than 0.3ppm phosphinecontains no more than 0.3ppm phosphine

determine when respiratory protection must be worn determine when respiratory protection must be worn and which type of equipment.and which type of equipment.

protect nearby persons from exposure to levels above protect nearby persons from exposure to levels above the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 0.3 ppm or the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 0.3 ppm or the 15 minute TWA short term exposure limit (STEL) of the 15 minute TWA short term exposure limit (STEL) of 1.0 ppm phosphine.1.0 ppm phosphine.

direct proper placement and removal of placards from direct proper placement and removal of placards from the target site.the target site.

Do you and your handlers know how to:

Placards must be posted at or near all entrances to fumigation sitePlacards must be posted at or near all entrances to fumigation site withstand adverse weather conditions and be in place for a minimum of 48 hrwithstand adverse weather conditions and be in place for a minimum of 48 hr

Placards must havePlacards must have the name of the fumigation company and a 24-hour emergency telephone numberthe name of the fumigation company and a 24-hour emergency telephone number DANGER / PELIGRODANGER / PELIGRO the EPA registration number of the product the EPA registration number of the product The date when the application was initiatedThe date when the application was initiated

Looking out for others; PlacardingLooking out for others; Placarding

Be safeBe safe