Precautions while using Pesticides

1. Pesticides are poisonous and must be used with caution. READ THE LABEL BEFORE OPENING A PESTICIDE CONTAINER. Follow all label precautions and directions, including requirements for protective equipment. Apply pesticides only on the crops or in the situations listed on the label. Apply pesticides at the rates specified on the label or at lower rates if suggested in this publication. In California, all agricultural uses of pesticides must be report .....

Legal responsibility

2. The user is legally responsible for any damage due to misuse of pesticides. Responsibility extends to effects caused by drift, runoff, or residues. all agricultural uses of pesticides must be reported. Contact your county agricultural commissioner for further details. Laws, regulations, and information concerning pesticides change frequently. This publication reflects legal restrictions current on the date next to each pests name. .....

Transportation

3. Do not ship or carry pesticides together with food or feed in a way that allows contamination of the edible items. Never transport pesticides in a closed passenger vehicle or in a closed cab. Practically all pesticides toxic to man and other animals; however they differ in their degree of toxicity. Therefore, improper and excessive use of pesticides may prove to be hazardous to man and his domesticated animals. Pesticides irritate the skin and th .....

Storage

4. Keep pesticides in original containers until used. Store them in a locked cabinet, building, or fenced area where they are not accessible to children, unauthorized persons, pets, or livestock. DO NOT store pesticides with foods, feed, fertilizers, or other materials that may become contaminated by the pesticides. .....

Container disposal

5. Dispose of empty containers carefully. Never reuse them. Make sure empty containers are not accessible to children or animals. Never dispose of containers where they may contaminate water supplies or natural waterways. Consult your county agricultural commissioner for correct procedures for handling and disposal of large quantities of empty containers. .....

Protection of nonpest animals and plants

6. Many pesticides are toxic to useful or desirable animals, including honey bees, natural enemies, fish, domestic animals, and birds. Crops and other plants may also be damaged by misapplied pesticides. Take precautions to protect nonpest species from direct exposure to pesticides and from contamination due to drift, runoff, or residues. Certain rodenticides may pose a special hazard to animals that eat poisoned rodents. .....

Posting treated fields

7. For some materials, restricted entry intervals are established to protect field workers. Keep workers out of the field for the required time after application and, when required by regulations, post the treated areas with signs indicating the safe re entry date. Check with your county agricultural commissioner for latest restricted entry interval. .....

Preharvest intervals

8. Some materials or rates cannot be used in certain crops within a specified time before harvest. Follow pesticide label instructions and allow the required time between application and harvest. Keep the pesticides in closed, properly labeled containers, away from the reach of animals and children. .....

Permit requirements

9. Many pesticides require a permit from the county agricultural commissioner before possession or use. When such materials are recommended, they are marked with an asterisk (*) in the treatment tables or chemical sections of this publication. .....

Maximum residue levels

10. Before applying pesticides to crops destined for export, check maximum residue levels (MRLs) of the importing country. Keep leaky containers in a separate corner. Cover spilled area with sand or sawdust, scrape it and dump the sand /sawdust in a pit away from source of water. Dispose off expired material carefully by burning. .....

Processed crops

11. Some processors will not accept a crop treated with certain chemicals. If your crop is going to a processor, be sure to check with the processor before applying a pesticide. Pesticides can also enter our bodies indirectly through the food chain. Non degradable pesticides contaminate soil and water from where they are absorbed by plants. When human beings or animals eat these plants as food, these pesticides enter their bodies and affect their he .....

Crop injury

12. Certain chemicals may cause injury to crops (phytotoxicity) under certain conditions. Always consult the label for limitations. Before applying any pesticide, take into account the stage of plant development, the soil type and condition, the temperature, moisture, and wind. Injury may also result from the use of incompatible materials. .....

Personal safety

13. Follow label directions carefully. Avoid splashing, spilling, leaks, spray drift, and contamination of clothing. NEVER eat, smoke, drink, or chew while using pesticides. Provide for emergency medical care IN ADVANCE as required by regulation. .....

Why should I be careful when using pesticides

14. Pesticides can be hazardous if not used safely. Pesticides can enter the body in three ways by mouth, through the skin and eyes, and through inhalation (breathing into the lungs). Use recommended safety clothing or cover your mouth with clean piece of cloth, wear full sleeve shirt and pants while spraying. Do not mix pesticide solution with bare hands. Use a paddle or stick when preparing the spray solution. .....

What are some key factors to remember when using pesticides

15. Be trained in the correct use and handling of pest control products some products can be used by specially trained and certified personnel. Become familiar with regulations that apply to pesticide use and follow all regulatory requirements. Minimize use of pesticides where possible.. Choose correct pesticide for the job. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing when handling and spraying pesticide products. Follow the precaut .....

Before Application

16. Before you decide to apply pesticides, always be sure that all factors are favorable for protecting you, others, and the environment. Do not consider applying pesticides if all the factors described in this chapter are not as they should be. Many safety precautions should be taken before you actually begin applying pesticides. Too many pesticide applicators are dangerously and unnecessarily exposed to pesticides while they are preparing to spray. .....

All pesticide users are strongly advised to keep

17. All pesticide users are strongly advised to keep thorough records for personal, crop, and economic protection. Regulations require specific records (see Chapter II), but beyond requirements they can be very helpful. Information on previous applications can prevent damage to sensitive crops, as well as prevent the presence of illegal residues. Consistent, yearly records will assist you in your pest control practices and guide you in future pest co .....

Always read the label on the pesticide container

18. Always read the label on the pesticide container before you begin to use it. Make sure that you understand everything you need to know about the pesticide ahead of time so that you are a Some pesticides are designated hazardous substances by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Certain guidelines apply to the transportation of pesticides that are on DOTs list of hazardous substances. For example, shipping papers must be carried in the truck ca .....

Personal Protective Equipment

19. The need for personal protective equipment depends mainly on the pesticide being handled. You may wear ordinary work clothes (long sleeve shirt and pants) while using pesticides of low toxicity (category III or lower toxicity levels), but it is a good idea to reserve one set of work clothes specifically for this purpose. More toxic chemicals (categories I and II) require coveralls worn over another layer of clothes, or chemical resistant protecti .....

Equipment

20. Carefully choose the most suitable equipment for applying your pesticides. Always use equipment correctly and take good care of it. Before you begin using your equipment, check it thoroughly to be absolutely sure that everything is working properly. Calibrate your equipment so that you apply the exact amount of pesticide necessary. Be sure there are no leaks in hoses, pumps, or tanks. Check for loose connections and worn spots in hoses that could .....

Prenotification

21. Before application, make sure that the treatment area is clear of all unprotected people. Many states require that all persons in the intended treatment areas, or even in adjacent areas, be informed about pesticide applications before the pesticides are applied. This warning is referred to as prenotification. Prenotification of a pesticide application is intended to protect others from exposure to pesticides. Check with your state pesticide regul .....

void Exposure

22. Moderately toxic chemicals can be poisonous to you when they are used day after day. Pesticides can contaminate clothing and may soak through to your skin. Do not work in drift, spray, or runoff unless you are properly protected. If pesticides spill on your gloves, be careful not to wipe your hands on your clothing. Work in pairs when you are dealing someone else is doing repair work on equipment that has not been cleaned, warn them of possible h .....

Storage and Disposal

23. Try to use all the pesticide in your tank. If you have some left at the end of the job, use the remainder on other target locations at the recommended dosage. Clean the equipment and put it away immediately after use to prevent accidents. Do not leave pesticides or pesticide containers out in the field or at the application site. Be sure to account for every container used. Safely dispose of empty containers. Do not reuse pesticide containers for .....

Clean Up

24. Mixing, loading, and application equipment must be cleaned as soon as you are finished using them. Dont buy more pesticides than you will need. If you have leftover pesticides, check with your local government to determine whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or other program for disposing of pesticides. If no community program exists, follow label directions and any state or local regulations regarding dispos .....

Entering a Treated Area

25. Unprotected people should wait until the proper time to enter an area that has had a pesticide application. The entry restriction is the period of time that should pass between treatment and returning to a treatment area. Entry restrictions may be found on some pesticide labels. .....

Move Pesticides Safely

26. Carelessness in transporting pesticides can result in broken containers, spills and contamination. Once pesticides are in your possession, you are responsible for safely transporting them. Accidents can occur even when transporting materials a short distance. If a pesticide accident occurs, you are responsible. Do all you can to prevent a transport problem, but be prepared in case an emergency should arise. The safest way to carry pesticides is .....

Avoid Sensitive Areas

28. Avoid spraying near houses, schools, playgrounds, hospitals, bee hives (apiaries), lakes, streams, pastures, or sensitive crops. If you must spray near sensitive areas, never spray or dust outside on windy days. Even with low winds, always apply downwind from any sensitive area. Plan your applications for times when people, animals, pets, and nontarget pests (such as honey bees) will not be exposed. Notify residents and beekeepers when you plan t .....

Avoid Drift Runoff and Spills

29. Pesticides that fall anywhere but on the target area can injure people, crops, and the environment. Choose weather conditions, pesticides, application equipment, pressure, droplet size, formulations, and adjuvants that minimize drift and runoff hazard. Spills can be avoided by taking simple precautions. .....

Avoid Equipment Accidents

30. Properly maintained and carefully used equipment contribute to safe pesticide application. Poor maintenance and careless use of equipment add to the hazard posed by pesticides. Be sure to turn off your machinery before making any adjustments or repairs on it. If someone else is doing repair work on equipment that has not been cleaned, warn them of possible hazards. Do not allow children, pets, or unauthorized people near the pesticide equipment. .....

Wash Pesticide Soiled Clothing

31. 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. .....

Emergency

32. 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 t .....

Swallowed poison

33. 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. .....

Poison in eye

34. 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. .....

Poison on skin

35. 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. .....

Inhaled poison

36. 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. .....

Background

37. 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 a .....

Managing and Controlling Common House and Garden Pests

38. 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 .....

General Safety Precautions

39. 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, .....

Whats that Smell

40. 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. .....

Government of Canadas Role

41. Before they can be imported, sold or used in Canada, all pesticides must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) and Regulations, administered by Health Canadas Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The main goal is to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment from the use of pesticides. To accomplish this, Health Canada evaluates all pesticides before they are registered to ensure that they meet the latest hea .....

Pesticide Exposure

42. Pesticides can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption by the skin and eyes. The skin usually receives the most exposure, so it is important to cover as much of the body as possible. Make sure youwear the requiredprotective clothing (printed on the label)before opening the pesticide container. .....

Always mix or dilute the pesticide outdoors or in a well ventilated area

43. Only use the amount listed on the label and measure the pesticide carefully. (Never use the same measuring cups or spoons that you use in the kitchen.) Use protective measures when handling pesticides as directed by the label, such as wearing impermeable gloves, long pants, and long sleeve shirts. Change clothes and wash your hands immediately after applying pesticides. .....

Mix only the amount that you need for each application

44. Do not prepare larger amounts to store for possible future use. The pesticide will degrade and become ineffective over time. Always store pesticides away from childrens reach, in a locked cabinet or garden shed. Child proof safety latches also may be installed on cabinets and can be purchased at local hardware stores and other retail outlets. .....

Keep children

45. Keep children, pets (including birds and fish), and toys (including pet toys) away from areas where you mix and apply pesticides for at least the length of time required on the label. If no time is listed on the label, wait until the pesticide has dried before reentering the area. .....

Outdoor Applications

46. Drift is the movement of pesticides away from the target area or plants. You should always follow all label directions for both the pesticide and application equipment to prevent drift. Also: Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (sustained winds higher than8 mph) or when winds are gusty or variable in direction. Use coarse droplet nozzles on your sprayer to reduce misting. Larger droplets help prevent drift. Spray as close to the targe .....

Do not over apply pesticides

47. Excessive application could cause the pesticide to run off or seep into water supplies and contaminate them. Once contaminated it is difficult or impossible to clean water sources. Excess spray may leave harmful residues on your homegrown fruit and vegetables, Thiscould affect other plants, wildlife, and fish. Read the label to determine if the pesticide should be watered in by irrigation. Never mix or apply a pesticide near wellheads, stormwater .....

Keep pesticides away from plants and wildlife you do not want to treat

48. Some pesticides are toxic to pollinators, so read the label carefully to determine if there are application timing or other restrictions.A detailed brochure on pollinator protection can bedownloaded from the Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship (www.curesworks.org). Do not spray bird nests when treating trees. Cove outdoor ornamental fishponds (donot allow to overheat).When applying pesticides to food crops and gardens, always che .....

Indoor Applications

49. Make sure that the pesticide label indicates that the product can be used indoors. Never use pesticides labeled .....

A pesticide poisoning

50. A pesticide poisoning occurs when chemicals intended to control a pest affect non target organisms such as humans, wildlife, or bees. There are three types of pesticide poisoning. The first of the three is a single and short term very high level of exposure which can be experienced by individuals who commit suicide, as well as pesticide formulators. The second type of poisoning is long term high level exposure, which can occur in pesticide formul .....

Cause

51. The most common exposure scenarios for pesticide poisoning cases are accidental or suicidal poisonings, occupational exposure, by stander exposure to off target drift, and the general public who are exposed through environmental contamination. Accidental and suicidal Self poisoning with agricultural pesticides represents a major hidden public health problem accounting for approximately one third of all suicides worldwide. .....

Diagnosis

52. Most pesticide related illnesses have signs and symptoms that are similar to common medical conditions, so a complete and detailed environmental and occupational history is essential for correctly diagnosing a pesticide poisoning. A few additional screening questions about the patients work and home environment, in addition to a typical health questionnaire, can indicate whether there was a potential pesticide poisoning. .....

Prevention

53. Accidental poisonings can be avoided by proper labeling and storage of containers. When handling or applying pesticides, exposure can be significantly reduced by protecting certain parts of the body where the skin shows increased absorption, such as the scrotal region, underarms, face, scalp, and hands. Using chemical resistant gloves has been shown to reduce contamination by 33 86%.. Further methods in order to aid prevention of acute pesticide .....

Treatment

54. Specific treatments for acute pesticide poisoning are often dependent on the pesticide or class of pesticide responsible for the poisoning. However, there are basic management techniques that are applicable to most acute poisonings, including skin decontamination, airway protection, gastrointestinal decontamination, and seizure treatment. .....