Reeves Petroff Pesticide Education Specialist Montana State University Extension Applying Pesticides Effectively Sprayer Calibration Pesticide Rodenticide Insecticide Herbicide

PROTECT YOURSELF --PESTICIDE SAFETY-- Pesticides are designed to kill something! Don’t let it be you!

TOXICITY Pesticide’s power to kill or cause serious damage to the body. Acute toxicity - after a single exposure or dose. Symptoms occur within minutes of the exposure or up to 24 hours after the exposure has occurred. Acute toxic effects are nearly always the result of an accident or careless handling. Usually occurs with more toxic pesticides

Signal Words Danger-Poison Danger Warning Caution

…..Signal Words…... Indicate the relative acute toxicity of a pesticide Highly toxic or highly corrosive Few drops to 1 Teaspoon to kill

Moderately toxic - 1 Teaspoon To 1 Tablespoon to kill Least Toxic - 1 Tablespoon to a pint or more.

CHRONIC TOXICITY The delayed effects of regular repeated exposures over a long period of time. Long term health effects –Potential tumors –Birth defects –Reproductive effects –Systemic effects –Allergic effects Occurs often with least toxic pesticides – people become careless due to low toxicity rating

Toxicity Testing Lab Test Conducted Dermal – skin Oral Inhalation Eyes Testing determines “signal words”

SYSTEMIC EFFECTS Usually affects: Circulatory System Nervous System Skin Lungs Liver and Kidneys Anemia, no clotting Jaundice, kidney failure Rashes, sores that won’t heal Trembles, neuropathy Emphysema, asthma Usually a result of long-term chronic exposure Pesticide-caused

ALLERGIC EFFECTS Pesticide-triggered Become Sensitized Influenced by genetics Allergic reaction - Asthma or even shock, ---Skin irritation, rashes, blisters, or open sores. Eye, nose and throat irritation, such as itchy, watery eyes; sneezing and tightness in the throat, Photosensitivity

Pesticides and the Body Routes of Exposure Where most pesticide exposures occur! EC = + absorption Cuts, scrapes, hot ‘n sweaty Remove Wash Change Doctor if feeling ill Usually accidental Improper storage Induce vomiting? Vapors, mists --Mixing-- when pouring Accidents

Can be confused with: –Flu –Heat injuries –Food poisoning –Asthma Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms

Prevention is best 1 st aid. Is there anything you need to know ahead of time? Do not induce vomiting unless the label directs it! Take the label to the hospital! Is special PPE required?

Protecting your Bod! Skin Eyes Ingestion Inhalation

Coveralls For Caution Signal Words – Cotton (tight weave), Kleenguard® coveralls For Warning Signal Words – Treated cotton, Tyvek. For Danger/Danger-Poison Signal Words – PVC, Nitrile, Tychem®, sealed or serged seams.

Woven Materials Laminated vs. Woven

PVC Polyethylene coated Tyvek

Gloves Want unlined gloves! Do Not Wear Leather Gloves! Do Not Wear exam gloves! Check for holes often! Want 14 mils or higher!

Glove Material Nitrile – Good overall protection, $2.39/pr Neoprene – Softer, better dexterity - $5.16 Natural Rubber – Use only on dry or water based formulations - $ /pr Butyl – For High Toxicity Pesticides - $18.45 PVC – Anyhydrous ammonia - $4.00/pr Viton – Superior Protection but $174.50/pr

Gloves

Protecting Your Head Straw Hat? No. Ball Cap? No..No Yes!

Eye Protection Goggles Face Shields Safety Glasses But never wear contacts when spraying pesticides!!!

RespiratorsRespirators

CLEANING PPE All PPE should be thoroughly cleaned with warm water and detergent after each use. Wash gloves and boots before you take them off. Always wear chemical resistant gloves when cleaning PPE. Line dry

Washing Pesticide Contaminated Clothing Any clothing or equipment used to apply pesticides should be considered to be contaminated and should be cleaned. AND UNDERCLOTHING: INCLUDES PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

WHAT IS THE RELATIVE TOXICITY OF THE PESTICIDE? ANY SPECIAL LAUNDERING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE LABEL? DO YOU HAVE THE LABEL ON HAND? Wear Gloves when handling contaminated clothing SIGNAL WORDS

Keep pesticide-contaminated clothing separate from other items of the family laundry. Store in separate containers and mark them. Pre-treat – Wash in a bucket and hang on line to dry. Use the rinse water for upcoming spraying activities Does the person doing the laundry know?

Wash pesticide contaminated clothing separate from family laundry. Use a full tub of water Hottest water possible o F Use maximum load setting and no less than a 12 minute cycle. Need lots of circulation around clothing. Choose a phosphate (powdered) detergent or a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Beware – phosphate detergents affected by hard water. Use more detergent or use a liquid.

Fabric Treatments Add fabric starch or fabric treatment after laundering pesticide contaminated clothing. Scotchgard ™ - repels Starch – absorbs Temporary

Keep PPE as clean as possible. Multiple laundering is recommended! Signal Word! Clean the washer after use. Swab down the inside of the washer tub. Run an empty cycle with detergent and hot water before the washer is used to launder family items.

Dry cleaning is not recommended Dry cleaning solvents can transfer pesticides from one load to following loads of dry cleaning. Separate washing machine and use it only for pesticide-contaminated clothing.