precautions while using pesticides

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 health and safety standards, and that the pesticide works as claimed. The pesticide label specifies how to use the product safely and effectively.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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 target as possible, you want to get good coverage, while still preventing drift. Do not apply pesticides on very hot days, with temperatures above 90

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 drains, or bodies of water, such as creeks and streams.

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 check to make sure they are labeled and follow the reentry time and time to harvest waiting period on the label. This varies by pesticide and crop.

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

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 formulators and manufacturers. The third type of poisoning is a long term low level exposure, which individuals are exposed to from sources such as pesticide residues in food as well as contact with pesticide residues in the air, water, soil, sediment, food materials, plants and animals.