SAFE USE OF PESTICIDESBY

J.CHIPOMHO

WHAT IS AN AGROCHEMICAL?

Synthetic chemical (not naturally occurring) used in agricultural production.

CHEMICALS WHICH ARE USED IN CROP PRODUCTION?

Agrochemicals can be grouped according to their functions:Insecticides HerbicidesFungicidesNematicidesPlant growth regulators

DANGERS IN AGROCHEMICAL USE: WHO IS AT RISKTo Environment/Fish

Animal/ Victims Primary / Secondary

Users

PESTICIDE POISONINGHow pesticide poisoning takes place

Pesticides enter the body throughEyes contactInhalation Ingestion Skin Contact

PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning Acute poisoning Sub-chronic poisoning Chronic poisoning

1. Acute poisoning Takes place when a large amount of

chemical is taken up in a short period of time (Accident)

PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning2.Sub-chronic poisoning Caused by repeated intake of

fairly large amounts of pesticide

PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning

3. Chronic poisoning Due to repeated intake of small

amounts of chemical over a long period of time

CHOICE OF PESTICIDESAnyone handling pesticides must first recognize the

pest & decide when control is needed

Right Product Right Source Right Amount Right time

Recommended products and their hazards Time and frequency of application Dose rates and dilutions Method of application Observing the post harvest spray period (PHI) Precautions to be taken

HANDLING PESTICIDESBEFORE USE – READ THE LABELIdentify the name of the pesticideIdentify the formulation of the pesticideIdentify the strength of the formulationIdentify the coloured triangleCheck the applicability to the pest problemIdentify the application rate (dosage)Identify the application methodCheck for compatibilityIdentify safety precautions to be followedIdentify first aid treatment

HANDLING PESTICIDESWARNING SIGNS

PURPLE TRIANGLE: Very dangerous poison

RED TRIANGLE: Dangerous poison

AMBER TRIANGLE: Poison

GREEN TRIANGLE: Harmful if swallowed

MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDESThis is where there is the greatest risk

of more serious accidents because one will be dealing with a concentrated chemical

Concentrates may also be corrosive

Mixing :- Chemical Formulations There are different types of formulations:Some are liquidSome are solidsSome are ready to useSome need to be diluted, usually with water

MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDESPREPARING TO MIXA. Read the product labelB.Select best mixing methodC. Use the correct equipmentD.Select a safe mixing placeE. Measure accurately F. Clean up utensils G.Correct disposal of empty containers

APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY Dos and Don'ts:- of Pesticide

use 1. Do not spray against wind2. Read and follow label instructions3. Never allow children or pregnant

women to apply or be exposed to pesticides

4. Do not eat, drink or smoke while applying pesticides

APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY 6. Cleaning blocked nozzle 7. No workers in the field being sprayed 8. Keep animals out of crops which have

been sprayed9. Never leave pesticide open and

equipment unattended

APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY

10.Safe disposal of empty containers 11.Personal hygiene after spraying

SUMMARY: PESTICIDES SAFELY Safety Precautions After

Pesticide Use1. Personal hygiene2. Cleaning of equipment3. Disposing of wastes4. Re-entering treated crops5. Waiting periods before harvesting

crops

Protective Clothing and Equipment It is important to know what

protective clothing to wear for the different colour triangle pesticides

Examples include: Waterproof jacket with long sleeves Waterproof trousers Rubber boots Rubber or plastic coated gloves Hat Face masks

Protective Clothing

General points concerning protective clothing 1. Overalls or long trousers must be

worn OUTSIDE of rubber boots2. Spraying suit must be kept only for

this purpose3. Protective clothing can be very

uncomfortable in hot weather. It is better to apply pesticides in cooler weather.

PESTICIDES STORAGE Storing Pesticides Safely Accidental poisoning usually due to

improper storage Pesticides should always be under

lock and key Kept in a separate building, Out of reach of children and animals

PESTICIDES STORAGE Storing Pesticides Safely

Always store pesticides in their original containers

Do not store pesticides in empty drink bottles or old food containers

PESTICIDES STORAGE Dealing With Pesticides Spills

Spillage must be safely disposed of: Keep people away Use soil to soak up spilled liquids (clay

soils are best) Bury the soil or the solids in the ground far

away from water sources Wash down any surface Wear protective clothing during the exercise

FIRST AID Easy to prevent poisoning than to treat it,

so always handle pesticides carefully Speed is essential in the treatment of

pesticide poisoning. Immediately call a doctor or take the

patient to a hospital Show the doctor the label of the pesticide

container & report how the poisoning occurred

Antidotes must only be given by qualified persons

FIRST AID cont… Common signs of mild pesticide

poisoning are:- sickness- dizziness- headache- diarrhoea- irritation of skin, eyes and

nose

FIRST AID cont… Serious symptoms of poisoning

include:- stomach cramps- rapid pulse- difficult in breathing- trembling- vomiting

FIRST AID cont…While waiting for medical assistance, the victim can be helped as follows:1. Remove contaminated clothing and wash

contaminated skin and hair2. Pesticides splashed or dusted into the

eyes must be washed immediately. 3. Never give alcohol or milk when

poisoning is suspected4. Keep victim calm and comfortable

recovery position 5. After recovery, victims should not handle

pesticides for several weeks

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