Protecting Yourself, Protecting Yourself, Workers and Family from Workers and Family from

Pesticide PoisoningsPesticide Poisonings

What is a Pesticide?

Insecticides Rodenticides Fungicides Herbicides

Purchasing Pesticides

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

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Chemical identity

Hazards

Chemical & physical make-up

Fire/explosive data

Health hazards

Safe handling

Spill control

Appropriate use

MSDS Availability

Supplier of chemical/pesticide Manufacturer

Phone number on labels On-line

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

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

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

Chronic Toxicity Danger of repeated exposure

Birth defects Nervous disorders Tumors

Cholinesterase inhibition Confusion of nervous system

Protective Equipment

Read label to determine protection Consider nature of work performed Consider points of entry

Dermal, oral, eyes

Protective Equipment

Always wear Long-sleeved

shirt Full-length

pants Splash goggles

Moderate to severe toxicity requires Rubber gloves Rubber boots Chemical

cartridge respirator

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

Mixing Pesticides

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

pesticides!

Mixing Pesticides

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

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

Applying Pesticides Set appropriate delivery rate Use recommended speed Check sprayer

Loose connections Worn hoses Clogged equipment

Applying Pesticides Observe weather

Spraying is prohibited on windy days! Don’t apply in heavy rain

Re-entry Don’t enter sprayed areas until safe Post warnings around treated areas Know pre-harvest interval

Cleaning Up

Pressure wash all containers Keep cleaning supplies

accessible

Thoroughly Clean Equipment

Spray with detergent and water

Rinse tank, hose, nozzle Flush with clean water Store tank upside down

Sanitize Clothing Wash gloves Wash clothing separate from

family laundry Take a shower immediately Throw away heavily contaminated

clothing

Safe Disposal

Pesticides Containers Rinse water

Storing Pesticides Well ventilated, dry area Keep storage area locked Use appropriate signage Keep in original container Don’t keep excess on hand Don’t store with livestock or with feed Don’t store with protective equipment

Pesticide Poisoning Know symptoms of poisoning from

products used Post emergency numbers by phone

Poison control Physician Hospital

Always keep labels & MSDS handy!