1

What Are Pesticides?

Funding provided from the MN Future Resources Fund

as recommended by the Legislative Commission on

Minnesota Resources

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

IPM in Schools Program

Contact: Jean Ciborowski,

651-297-3217

2

Definition of a Pesticide

Any chemical used to repel or kill a pest organism

3

Examples of Pesticides

Algacides/slimicides Herbicides Fungicides Insecticide Rodenticides Miticides

Acaricide Avicides Molluscicides Nematicides Sanitizers/ disinfectants

4

Information in a Pesticide Label

Pesticide name– Brand, trade or product, common, chemical

Type of pesticide– Fungicide, herbicide, insecticide

Formulation– Granular, liquid

Classification: Restricted use– Could cause harm to humans, including pesticide handlers, or to

environment. In Minnesota, must be certified applicator to apply RUP

Ingredients Statement– Active ingredient = chemical in product that kills or controls target

pest

5

Directions for Use

Crops, livestock or sites to be treated

Pests to be controlled Methods of application Amount, how to mix and apply Other including: geography, time,

wildlife, incompatibilities

6

Warnings and Precautions

Signal Words Protective clothing and equipment Safe handling First aid instructions Storage and disposal Environmental hazards Re-entry intervals Storage and disposal

7

Important Numbers

EPA Registration Number– Label approved by federal

government

Establishment Number—specific manufacturing plant

where pesticide produced

8

Label is

Target pests, crops, site Protective clothing or

equipment to be used Application rates and

methods Re-entry intervals Etc

9

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

Chemical Identification Ingredient Information Physical data Hazards identification First Aid measures Reactivity Data Fire and Explosion Data Accidental Release Measures Protective Equipment Toxicology information Ecological Information Disposal considerations Transport information Regulatory information Special Precautions

10

Signal Words for Toxicity Categories

IV-Caution- Relatively nontoxic- Mild Irritation

III-Caution- Slightly Toxic- Moderate Irritation

II-Warning- Moderately Toxic- Irritation

I-Danger or Danger /Poison

-(skull and crossbones symbol) - Highly Toxic

-Very poisonous and irritating

11

Precautionary Statements: Signal Words

Danger (or Poison) Warning Caution

12

Caution

Notice the word CAUTION is used for both category III and IV.

Since category III chemicals are included in this law and category IV are not, it is essential that you know which is which.

The CFL web site is your best source of information on the categories.

– http://cfls.state.mn.us/pesticide

13

Pesticide Toxicity: Routes of Exposure

Eye Dermal – skinOral - by mouth,

ingestion Inhalation -

breathe in

14

PPE = Personal Protective Equipment

Follow label instructions

15

To Reduce Exposure, Do Not:

Have contact with pesticides in closed or poorly ventilated areas or breathe vapors, dust or mist without PPE Be especially aware of fumigant vapors

Inhale vapors from drift or reenter area too soon Splash or spray pesticides in eyes or mouth Rub eyes or forehead with contaminated gloves or

handsMistake pesticide for food or drinkApply pesticides in windy weatherTouch pesticide treated surfaces

16

To Reduce Exposure, Do:

Use PPE as indicated on label when preparing or applying pesticides

Wash contaminated clothing--check pesticide label directions

Avoid accidentally applying pesticides to food

Wash hands after handling pesticides or containers

17

To Reduce Pesticide Exposure to Others, when possible

Consider alternatives to pesticides Use baits, traps and pest strips Spot treat or use crack and crevice treatments Make applications at times when staff and

students are less likely to contact pesticides Promote good sanitation and hand washing

18

HEALTH RISK =EXPOSURE X TOXICITY

Reduce risk by reducing either or both of those factors

Exposure -- find non chemical pest controls, improve pesticide handling procedures and safety practices

Toxicity – select products with lower toxicity

19

Measuring Toxicity

Toxicity rating LD50 (inhalation LC50) Lethal dose that killed 50 percent of

test population (animals exposed to pesticide)

LD50 expressed in milligrams product per kilogram weight of animal

Lower number, the higher the toxicity