Protecting Yourself, Workers
and Family from Pesticide
Poisonings
What is a Pesticide?
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Insecticides
Rodenticides
Fungicides
Herbicides
Purchasing Pesticides
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Read the label!
Follow directions exactly
Look for EPA registration number
Obtain Material Safety Data Sheet
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
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Chemical identity
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Health hazards
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Hazards
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Safe handling
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Spill control
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Appropriate use
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Chemical & physical
make-up
Fire/explosive data
MSDS Availability
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Supplier of chemical/pesticide
Manufacturer
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Phone number on labels
On-line
Toxicity
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Amount of pesticide needed to cause harm
Risks can be minor or lethal
Chemical absorption rates vary by points of
entry:
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Dermal (skin)
oral (mouth)
eyes
Absorption Rates
(compared to forearm)
Body Part
Absorption rate
Scalp
Forehead
Ear Canal
Abdomen
Forearm
Palm
Scrotal area
Ball of foot
3.7
4.2
5.4
2.1
1.0
1.3
11.8
1.6
Acute Toxicity
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Measurement of potential harm
Toxicity classifications
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Class I: Danger – Poison! (in red)
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Class II: Warning
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Highly toxic
Moderately toxic
Class III and IV: Caution
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Slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic
Chronic Toxicity
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Danger of repeated exposure
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Birth defects
Nervous disorders
Tumors
Cholinesterase inhibition
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Confusion of nervous system
Protective Equipment
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Read label to determine protection
Consider nature of work performed
Consider points of entry
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Dermal, oral, eyes
Protective Equipment
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Always wear
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Long-sleeved shirt
Full-length pants
Splash goggles
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Moderate to severe
toxicity requires
 Rubber gloves
 Rubber boots
 Chemical
cartridge
respirator
Mixing Pesticides
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Follow directions carefully
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Learn formulations
Use only recommended amount
Use only on site listed
Do not use heavy containers
Use appropriate measuring tools
Mixing Pesticides
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Keep hands away from face
Pour liquids on a flat surface
Open powders with scissors
Do not put your hands in pesticides!
Mixing Pesticides
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Mix in well ventilated area
Check weather conditions
Close all containers when finished
Loading Pesticides
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Select job appropriate equipment
Back toward the wind
Use anti-siphoning device
Fill tank with water first
Add pesticides away from water source
Load pesticides in field
Applying Pesticides
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Set appropriate delivery rate
Use recommended speed
Check sprayer
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Loose connections
Worn hoses
Clogged equipment
Applying Pesticides
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Observe weather
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Spraying is prohibited on windy days!
Don’t apply in heavy rain
Re-entry
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Don’t enter sprayed areas until safe
Post warnings around treated areas
Know pre-harvest interval
Cleaning Up
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Pressure wash all containers
Keep cleaning supplies accessible
Thoroughly Clean Equipment
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Spray with detergent and water
Rinse tank, hose, nozzle
Flush with clean water
Store tank upside down
Sanitize Clothing
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Wash gloves
Wash clothing separate from family
laundry
Take a shower immediately
Throw away heavily contaminated
clothing
Safe Disposal
Pesticides
 Containers
 Rinse water
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Storing Pesticides
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Well ventilated, dry area
Keep storage area locked
Use appropriate signage
Keep in original container
Don’t keep excess on hand
Don’t store with livestock or with feed
Don’t store with protective equipment
Pesticide Poisoning
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Know symptoms of poisoning from
products used
Post emergency numbers by phone
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Poison control
Physician
Hospital
Always keep labels & MSDS handy!