Pesticide Safety Update Brian Jones Agronomy Extension Agent February 2, 2009

SAFETY FIRST?

Outline Restricted use pesticides Label comprehension Risk management Personal protective equipment

Pesticide Classification General Use Restricted Use

For use only by certified applicators or by persons under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Designates products that could pose:  acute toxicity threat to humans & wildlife  ground water contamination concern  threat to aquatic organisms Restricted Use Pesticides

Pesticide Applicator Classification PrivateCommercial

What Can Certified Applicators Do? Private Applicators  Apply Restricted Use on own property for crop production Registered Technicians  Apply general use pesticides  Apply Restricted Use pesticides under “direct supervision” of a Commercial Applicator Commercial Applicators  Apply Restricted Use pesticides in that category

Questions?

What are Your Responsibilities? READ AND OBEY THE LABEL Understand what your certification allows Keep records of RUP applications or sales Report “incidents” to OPS in 48 hours Keep OPS informed of your address and employer changes, and Read Your Mail!

The Label is the LAW! The pesticide product label is a binding legal agreement between three parties:  US Environmental Protection Agency,  product registrant, and  product user.

What is the “labeling”? Instructions and directions located on the product. Other instructions and directions that accompany the product. Specialized instructions and directions in separate documents referred to on the label.

ActiveIngredients Inert Ingredients Label Information BrandName

It’s critical that applicators understand and follow these statements!

Label Information Manufacturer’sAddress EPA Registration Number

Signal Words

QUESTIONS?

Toxicity  Capacity to cause harm  Nature of the chemical  Dose-related Exposure  Dose  Route  Duration  Frequency Hazard* = Toxicity x Exposure *Hazard = Risk

RISKY BUSINESS?

Making Pesticide Decisions Goal is to balance:  Lowest toxicity  Lowest exposure  Most effective pest management

Toxic Effects May Occur: During or soon after exposure After repeated exposure over a long time ACUTE CHRONIC

Toxicity Measure: LD 50 The LD 50 is the dose of toxin that produces 50% mortality in a test population. LD 50 is usually expressed in milligrams of toxin per kilogram of test animal body weight (mg/kg). the lower the LD 50 value, the more toxic the substance the higher the LD 50 value, the less toxic the substance

Acute Toxicity Ratings Signal WordHow Toxic Oral LD 50 (mg/kg) Lethal Dose (Adult) Danger – Poison  Highly Few drops to 1 tsp WarningModerately – 2 tsp CautionSlightly oz – 1 pt CautionAlmost non- toxic > pt

Relative Toxicity, rat oral LD 50, mg/kg Least toxic Most toxic “The dose makes the poison” Alcohol 14,000 Glyphosate (Roundup) 5,600 Salt (sodium chloride) 3,000 Malathion 1,375 Acephate (Orthene) 945 Aspirin 750 Ammonia 350 Diazinon 300 Nicotine 50 Aldicarb (Temik) 0.93 Copper chelate 0.50 Botulinum toxin Caution Warning Danger Poison

QUESTIONS?

To Minimize Pesticide Exposure: Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to minimize pesticide use. Select the safest, effective formulation. Use a product with reduced concentration of active ingredient. Reduce rate of application to lowest effective level. Mix only enough pesticide to complete assigned task.

To Minimize Pesticide Exposure: Select an application method that minimizes contact. Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stipulated on the label Mixing pesticides usually requires more PPE than applying. Follow all safety precautions on the label.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The label is very specific about the PPE required for mixing/loading, application, and early entry. Label lists PPE minimums. Can wear more. Applicator is legally required to follow all PPE instructions on label. Long-sleeve shirt, long pants, waterproof gloves, and shoes and socks are the minimum PPE found on any agricultural pesticide.

PPE: Eye Protection Goggles or face shield are required if label calls for eye protection. Face shield offers more protection when mixing and loading. A chemical resistant hat is sometimes specified on the label.

PPE: Respirators Reduces exposure to various dusts and mists. Label will specify type of respirator.

PPE: Respirators Must be made for the pesticide - see the label. Make sure it fits correctly - no air gaps Change cartridge frequently  See manufacturer’s instructions  If not available, after 8 hours of use  Sooner if notice odor, etc. Wash with soap and water after use Store in plastic bag after washing

PPE: Coveralls n n “Coveralls” can be reusable types (cotton or blends) or disposable types such as Tyvek  or Kleenguard . n The label will specify if “chemical resistant coveralls” (coated/ waterproof material) are needed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves Waterproof or chemical resistant Read the label to determine correct type Never wear cotton, leather, or canvas Wear under cuff, unless spraying overhead Natural Rubber

PPE: Gloves If the label says “waterproof”, you may choose gloves made of rubber or synthetic materials. If the label says “chemical resistant”, use barrier laminate, butyl, nitrile, neoprene, or Viton ($$$). Barrier laminate Butyl Rubber Nitrile Rubber Neoprene Viton

PPE: Boots Choose knee-high rubber or synthetic boots without holes Wear cuff on outside of boot Never wear leather

Cleaning Contaminated Clothing Wash contaminated clothing daily. Do not attempt to clean clothing contaminated with undiluted pesticide - throw away. Prerinse, don’t crowd washer, use hot water Use long cycle & heavy duty liquid detergent Keep separate from other clothing

QUESTIONS? Thank You!