Pesticide Storage and Security Cecil Tharp Montana State University Pesticide Safety Education Program

Why Secure Ag. Products? Ryder truck filled with about 5,000 pounds of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, diesel fuel and nitromethane.

Oklahoma City Bombing April 19 th, Died, 19 children

Do you secure your pesticides? 1.Yes 2.NO 0 of 50

Are we safe now?

Shortly following the events of 9/11, The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) asked farmers to identify specific threats posed by terrorists. A few selected responses include: How likely do you think it is that an agricultural, food, or water bioterrorist attack will take place somewhere in the USA? Likely to very likely: 81% Unlikely to very unlikely: 19% Do you feel that you are properly prepared for agroterrorism or some other security-based event against your operation? Yes: 14% No: 51% Don't know: 35%

What are all the threats? 1)Terrorists / Theft 2)Children accessing pesticides 3)Environmental Consequences

Which pesticides could pose a threat from a terrorist. 1.Insecticides 2.Herbicides 3.Rodenticides 4.Fungicides 0 of 50

Securing the Storage Area  Maintain a separate location for the storage of pesticides.  If the storage area is located within a larger structure, provide access through a separate outside door.  Keep the storage area locked.

Securing Storage - continued  Ventilate the storage area properly, but do not use structures with windows large enough for someone to enter.  Store pesticides away from food, feed, seed, and fertilizer.

WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR  Are unauthorized people allowed on the premises?  Are background checks performed on employees?  Are employees aware of the security risks associated with the storage of agrichemicals and other hazardous substances?

WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR: DEALERS  Watch for unusual or suspicious behavior by a purchaser or other individuals who: *acts nervous, seems uneasy or vague, and avoids eye contact; *demands immediate possession of purchased material instead of future delivery;

Record Inventory  Maintain an updated inventory of products.  List at least the product name, date of purchase, quantity, and location within the storage area.  Store the inventory list separately from the storage area. Update periodically.  Record all pesticide applications (Restricted Use Recordkeeping).

Do you have children living at home? 1.Yes, under 5 yrs old 2.Yes, 5 – 12 yrs old 3.Yes, over 12 yrs old 4.Multiple age groups 5.No kids 0 of 50

Have you taken precautions to protect children form pesticides? 1.Yes 2.NO 3.Maybe

Children and pesticides  A survey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding pesticides used in and around the home revealed some significant findings:  Almost half, 47%, of all households with children under the age of five had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet, less than 4 feet off the ground (i.e., within the reach of children).

Children Accessing Pesticides - In 16 high-income and middle-income countries, poisoning is the fourth biggest cause of unintentional injury after road traffic injuries, fires and drowning. -The rate of fatal poisoning is highest for children under one year, with another slight peak around 15 years.

How to minimize child poisoning  Post the Poison Control Centers national hotline phone number, , near every telephone in your home.Poison Control Centers  Install safety latches on cabinets.  Keep pesticides in their original containers. Never put poisonous products in containers that could be mistaken for juice or food.  Teach children that “pesticides are poisons” and not to be touched.

Minimizing Child Poisoning: POSTING  Post the storage area: Example: ”Danger--Pesticides--Keep Out”  Also post “No Smoking” signs and do not allow smoking near the storage area.

Minimize Child Poisoning: Posting Post the name, address, and telephone number of at least one contact person at the primary entrance to the storage area. Post emergency numbers (Poison Control, police, fire department) in the storage area. Large Spills contact Montana Department of Agriculture (406) National Poison Center 1(800) Chemtrec’s: 1(800)  industry experts

Environmental Concerns: How to dispose of leaky or worn containers. -Use pesticide product on a site written on the pesticide product label. or -Transport pesticide product into secondary container which has a complete pesticide product label attached. or -Contact MDA (406) to access the pesticide disposal program.

Don’t Give Away Pesticides  Do not sell or give pesticides to someone you do not know.  If you do sell some pesticides, make sure the buyer has appropriate documentation.

Will you secure your pesticides in the future? 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 50

Contact Information Cecil Tharp Pesticide Education Specialist