Using Pesticides Safely Krystal W. McDuff

Why?

Protection of People Animals The Environment

Pesticide Use

Pesticide Common Sense

Pesticide Safety

Know Your Pest

Know Your Resources

Equipment

Manpower

Time

Know Your Needs

Acres

Equipment

Formulations

Know Your Limitations

Environments

Certifications

Neighbors

Aspects of Pesticide Safety

Labels Personal Protective Equipment Pesticide Toxicity Poisoning Signs and Symptoms What to do in an Emergency Storage and Disposal

Labels

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL Safety Results

Label Components

Names Formulation Ingredients Manufacturer Registration number Establishment number Signal Words

Precautionary Statement Practical Treatment Classification Directions Reentry Statement Waiting Periods Storage and Disposal

Label Components

Pesticide Names

Brand or Trade Name Common Name Chemical Name

Brand= RoundUp Common= GlyphosateChemical = N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine

Numbers

Registration Number

Establishment Number

Signal Words

____________________________________________________ Category Signal word required

Approximate amount on label needed to kill an

average person

____________________________________________________ Highly Toxic DANGER A few

drops to one POISON teaspoon

Moderately toxic WARNING one teaspoon to one

ounce Slightly toxic CAUTION over one

ounce

Not toxic not required

Pesticide Classifications

Restricted Use – may cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment or humans, even if used as directed.

Unclassified – usually no adverse effects if used as directed.

Commercial Applicator License

Formulations

Pesticide Toxicity

Refers to the ability of a pesticide to cause acute or chronic injury

Hazard = Toxicity X Exposure

Ex. Gasoline and Aspirin

Types of Toxicity

Acute – usually immediate, obvious, reversible

Delayed – “chronic”, usually from repeated doses

Allergic – immune system response to chemicals

Acute Effects

Oral – examples: burned mouth, sore throat, upset stomach

Inhalation – examples: pain or tightness in chest

Dermal (skin) – examples: itching, blisters, rash

Ocular (eyes) – examples: irritation, temporary or permanent blindness

Chronic (delayed) Effects

May appear long after exposure:

TumorsGene effectsMiscarriageImpotenceBirth defectsInfertilitySterilityNervous system disorders

Types of Allergic Effects

Systemic – as asthma, shock

Skin irritation – rash, blisters, sores

Eye and nose – itchy/watery eyes, sneezing

Will occur with every exposure to the offending chemical

How Pesticides Enter the BodyDermal Exposure:1. not wearing protective clothing2. not washing hands3. spilling or splashing4. spray or dust drift5. windy applications6. touching treated plants, soil, livestock

Eye Exposure7. Rubbing eyes after use8. Splashes9. Not wearing eye protection

Oral Exposure10. Splashes11. Eating, drinking, smoking before washing up

carefully

Inhalation Exposure12. Working in poorly ventilated areas13. Handling dusts or powders14. Exposure to drift

Areas of Absorption

Absorption is not equal over the body so make sure to protect yourself!

Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Mild = fatigue, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps

Moderate = inability to walk, weakness, chest discomfort, pupil constriction, all of the above, just more severe

Severe = unconsciousness, severe pupil constriction, muscle twitching, running nose, breathing difficulty, coma, death

Prevention and Preparation

Read the label and follow it to the very last word! Always keep a change of clothes nearby Always keep soap nearby Make sure a water source is present whenever contact with pesticides is

possible Check containers for leaks or cracks before handling. Don’t work alone if possible in case of accident Keep emergency phone numbers close by.

Emergency Procedures

Depending on the type and degree of exposure:

Call poison control center, 911, or take victim to a hospital WITH THE LABEL OF THE PESTICIDE!

Look at the label for emergency directions Remove any contaminated clothing Wash (with soap) any affected areas of your body

immediately If pesticide gets in eyes, rinse eyes out thoroughly If possible remove the victim from the contaminated area

Alabama Poison Center

Calling theAlabama Poison Centeris as easy as dialing1-800-222-1222

http://www.alapoisoncenter.org/

Storage

Choose somewhere away from sensitive areas, that’s not prone to flooding and accessible only to authorized personnel.

The site should be cool, dry, fire-resistant, have preventative measures in place, and have absorptive materials (clay, cat litter, activated charcoal..) and toolsto clean up spills.

Signs should be in place on or around the structure saying “Danger, Pesticides”.

Pesticides should be arranged in an organized way so they don’t cross contaminate, or be confused for another type.

The labels should always be visible.

Disposal

Labels will indicate how to best dispose of the product you have.

Remember the label is the law!

Triple – rinse

Depending on what type of pesticide you used, containers can be

burned, taken to a landfill, or returnedto the manufacturer

In Case of Spills……..

Give first aid if needed Block off the area and put up a warning sign Use absorbent material to soak up the spill Shovel material into a leak-proof container Dispose of it as you would excess pesticides

(you may have to call the manufacturer) Do not hose down the area, it will cause the chemical to

spread. You may be able to use bleach, ammonia or lye on it to stop

the chemical action. If it’s a major spill, call the manufacturer for help, the

National Agricultural Chemicals Association Pesticide Safety Team Network, and even local authorities if the spill happened on or near a public highway.

WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD

Contact Extension for training options

How to comply manual available at; http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/htc.html

Signs and posters available from EPA And Gemplers 1-800-382-8473

Questions?