Transcript Understanding Pesticide Safety

Understanding Pesticide Safety
Topic #2049
Aaron Gearhart
Danger!
• Pesticides are
designed to kill insects
and as such are
inherently dangerous.
• Yet when used
properly there is little
chance of injury
http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs209.htm
Toxicity
• Term used to define
the relative danger of a
chemical.
• Acute toxicity (short
term exposure)
• Chronic toxicity (long
term exposure)
Toxicity Continued
• Toxicity is measured in terms of LD50
• LD50 is the amount of pesticide in
milligrams or pesticide per kilogram of
body weight required to kill 50% of a test
animal population.
• Remember mg/kg
Exposure
• Exposure is defined as
pesticide entry into the
body in one of four
ways
• Skin (dermal)
• Mouth (oral)
• Eyes (ocular)
• Nose (inhalation)
Exposure Continued
• Pesticide entry into the
body through the skin
is the the most
common and subtle
path of entry.
• Oral exposure is
responsible for 90% of
pesticide related
deaths.
http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs208.htm
Not to Fear Though
• Exposure to pesticides
can be reduced by using
protective clothing and
safety devices.
Thoughtfulness and use of appropriate
clothing will reduce pesticide
exposure.
http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/facts/facts.html
PPE Personal Protective
Equipment
• The minimum amount
of protective clothing
needed when handling
even the safest
pesticides includes a
hat, long-sleeved shirt,
long pants, shoes and
socks, rubber gloves,
and goggles.
http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs211.htm
Pesticide Safety Tips
• Read the label before
applying!
• Have water on site to
wash off rubber gloves
and in case of
emergency
• Wash hands before
smoking,eating,
drinking or using the
bathroom
Cleanup
• Clean equipment
inside and out after
use to prevent
reactions and
corrosion of metal
parts.
http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs212.htm
Spill Cleanup
• Pesticide labels provide spill cleanup
instructions. Use personal protective
measures. Being able to handle spills and
leaks safely is as important as correct
chemical use.
• Disposal of used pesticide containers is also
very important.
Triple rinse method
• The triple rinse method is simple and
adequate:
• 1. Empty container and drain for 30 seconds
• 2. Fill container 1/4 full with water
• 3. Swirl, pour into spray tank, and drain for
30 seconds
• 4. Complete steps 1 through 3 three times,
then puncture container to prevent re-use.
More Pesticide Safety Tips
• Wear all protective
clothing listed on label
• Avoid contact lenses
as they may absorb
pesticide vapors
• Use and mix pesticides
in a well ventilated
area.
http://www.agednet.com/subs/cs209.htm
Even More Tips
• Examine area, are
there any plants or
animals that could be
harmed by the
pesticide?
• Wash your hands
thoroughly after
handling pesticides
Whats on a label?
•
•
•
•
•
Trade Name
Common Name
Chemical Name
Ingredients
Formulation
(emulsifiable
concentrates, wettable
powders, dry flowables,
granules etc.)
What’s on a Label Continued
•
•
•
•
•
Name and address of manufacturer
Used classification
Toxicity
Directions for use
Precautionary statements
Signal Word
• Highly Toxic – Danger
• Moderately Toxic – Warning
• Slightly toxic – Caution
• (more info in handout)
Early Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms
•
•
•
•
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Severe Pesticide Poisoning
Symptoms
•
•
•
•
•
Sweating
Stomach Cramps
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Blurred Vision
Treatment of Pesticide Poisoning
• Contact local emergency room or hospital
• Read product label for first aid instructions!
• Do not induce vomiting until you read the
label
• Give product label to doctor to aid in
diagnosing the problem.
First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning
• What follows are tips for what steps you
can take that will precede but not substitute
for medical advice
• Always call a physician or poison control
center for treatment advice
First Aid Tips
• Poison on Skin – Irrigate the are with
running water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Poison in eye – Open eyelid and wash the
eye with water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Inhaled Poison – Take victim to fresh air.
If unconscious, give artificial respiration.
• Swallowed Poison – If person is alert and
able to swallow, dilute with sips of milk or
water.
Conclusion
• These are just tips to get you started
thinking about pesticide safety.
• In order to be certified you must take a
course mandated by the state where you will
learn more information.
• Pesticides must always be handled
responsibly and safely!