precautions while using pesticides

Precautions while using Pesticides

Pesticides are substances meant for attracting, seducing, destroying, or mitigating any pest.
31. Wash Pesticide Soiled Clothing
Spray clothing should be changed and washed daily. The pesticides on your clothes could harm other people who touch them. Keep pesticide soiled clothing away from the family laundry and warn the person who will be washing your spray clothes of possible dangers. The person doing the laundry should wear chemical resistant gloves. Do not allow children to play in or near the contaminated clothing. Do not dry clean pesticide contaminated clothing.
32. Emergency
Try to determine what the person was exposed to and what part of the body was affected before you take action, since taking the right action is as important as taking immediate action. If the person is unconscious having trouble breathing, or having convulsions, give needed first aid immediately. Call 911.or your local emergency service. If the person does not have these symptoms, contact your local Poison Control Center at 1 800 222 1222. Have the product container with you when you call for assistance remember to act fast!
33. Swallowed poison
Induce vomiting. ONLY if the emergency personnel on the phone tell you to do so. This will depend on what the child has swallowed; some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause more damage if the victim is made to vomit.
34. Poison in eye
Eye damage can occur, within minutes with some types of pesticide. If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean, running water from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. Do not use eye drops or place chemicals or drugs in the wash water.
35. Poison on skin
If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry.
36. Inhaled poison
Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately. If you are able to get to the victim because of fumes, immediately contact the Fire Department. Loosen victims tight clothing. If the victim is blue or has stopped breathing, give artificial respiration (if you know how) and call rescue service for help. Open doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by fumes.
37. Background
Pesticides are made from both conventional (synthetic) and naturally occurring (biochemical) active ingredients. For example, the lawn care product 2,4 D is synthetic, while a pesticide with the active ingredient of acetic acid, like found in vinegar, is biochemical. A homeowner, pet owner, farmer or golf course operator may use the same pesticide ingredients, but each product is designed specifically for an intended use. Health Canada assesses all of the ingredients, determines label directions for each product, and registers only those products that will not harm human health or the environment. If you choose to use a pesticide in or around your home, you are responsible for its proper use. This includes being familiar with safe handling and application procedures, the precautions described on the label, and how to dispose of pesticides properly.
38. Managing and Controlling Common House and Garden Pests
It is up to you how much damage from a pest you will accept before trying to control it. However, before purchasing a pesticide, check on possible alternatives that may be available. Some pests may be controlled by using traps and physical barriers, or by sealing cracks and crevices that may allow pests to enter the home. You may also want to hire a pest control operator, who is licensed and familiar with alternative methods of pest control. Some provinces and municipalities have placed restrictions on what pesticides you can use (referred to as cosmetic bans), so check with your local authorities before buying or using them. Do not buy a pesticide if the packaging is visibly damaged or seems to have been tampered with. Instead report it to the vendor. If you notice damaged or defective packaging after purchase, report this as an incident to the pesticide company listed on the label, or to Health Canada.
39. General Safety Precautions
Always read the label carefully. You must follow all safety precautions described on the product label to protect your health, the health of others and the environment. Generally, pesticide application should only be done when there are no children, pregnant women, elderly persons, pets or animals present. Never mix or combine different pesticides together unless the label instructions say to do so. Use a pesticide only for its intended purpose, for example, never use a pesticide indoors when it is intended for outdoor use. Do not apply pesticides directly to people, clothing or bedding, except when told to do so on the label.
40. Whats that Smell
Residual odour from some insecticides or herbicides may be caused by trace amounts of ingredients, like sulphur based compounds and solvent systems in the formulation. Although somewhat unpleasant, these odours are harmless.