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PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

Part I: Classification, Formulation, Regulation, The Label,

Storage and Disposal Bert Swanson, Dean Herzfeld and John Daniels IPM and PHC Many pest problems are encountered in the production, sale and maintenance of quality landscape plants. These problems include, but are not limited to, insects, diseases, weeds, snails, slugs, rodents and small or large animals. The first steps in a successful pest control program are detection and diagnosis of a particular pest problem. Following diagnosis of a particular pest problem, it is essential to gain an understanding of the pest in terms of its habit and life cycle in order to prescribe the most economical, safe, and effective control measures. It is also important to evaluate the damage being caused by the pest to determine if control measures are warranted. For example, in a production setting, birch leaf miner injury causing less than 20% defoliation is not significantly detrimental to plant growth. For this reason, control measures may not be justified. However, in a landscape setting where aesthetics are important, control measures may be warranted. When the pest has been identified and a need for control has been established, selection of a control method is the next step. A variety of pest control measures are available, including: 1. Resistant Varieties. 2. Proper Cultural Practices. 3. Mechanical Control. 4. Chemical Control. 5. Biological Control A combination of two or more of these methods is called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Another all encompassing term for an integrated approach is "Plant Health Care" (PHC). IPM is the practice of using a variety of cultural, biological, and chemical techniques to reduce pest problems. IPM and PHC consist of

decision-making processes which include regularly examining plant materials for signs and symptoms of trouble or scouting, using traps for monitoring insect populations, establishing damage thresholds, and timing pesticide applications to the most vulnerable stage of the pest. If beneficial insects are present and there is the chance that they can mitigate the harmful effects of a pest, biorational pesticides should be used. Biorational pesticides are natural organisms or plant derived products that have low toxicity to non-target insects. They also degrade rapidly, therefore, they must be applied repeatedly. The cornerstones of IPM and PHC are: 1. Utilization of proper cultural practices that promote

healthy, vigorous plants and reduce the potential for pest problems.

2. Implementation of multiple methods of pest and

disease control. 3. An understanding that pest management should be

an ongoing component of total plant management. PHC and IPM are plant management programs which utilize all suitable pest management practices that are environmentally compatible and economically feasible to reduce pest populations to tolerable levels in order to maintain healthy plants. Chemical pest management is commonly an integral part of any IPM or PHC program. The use of chemicals can be very economical and effective when used properly and safely. When used improperly, chemicals can become devastating to non-target organisms as well as the total environment. Pesticides are costly and improper use results in financial losses. Pesticide Classification Pesticides are placed into categories based on their toxicity. Toxicity is the inherent poisonous nature, or how dangerous a pesticide is under experimental conditions. Toxicity is commonly expressed as LD50,

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which is the dose required to kill 50% of a pest population, such as insects, mice, rats, and birds. The Unit of Measure used is mg/kg, which is milligrams of toxicant or active ingredient per kilogram of body weight. This can be measured as either acute or chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity refers to immediate effects of a single, short-term exposure to a pesticide, whereas chronic toxicity is the repeated exposure to a pesticide. In addition, LD50 may be based on how a pesticide enters the body, such as orally as in ingestion, dermally as on the skin or by inhalation as in breathing. This information is then extrapolated to humans. The lower the LD50 value, the more toxic the pesticide is to humans. Based on this toxicity information, pesticides are placed into four categories, each with appropriate signal words to indicate the level of toxicity (Table 1). Table 1. Categories of pesticides based on toxicity. Category I – Danger/Poison

A skull and cross-bones symbol is required on labels for all Category I pesticides, which are described as highly toxic. These pesticides have an Acute Oral LD50 range of 1 to 50 mg/kg.

Category II – Warning

Pesticides in this category are described as moderately toxic and have an Acute Oral LD50 range of 51 to 500 mg/kg.

Category III – Caution These are slightly toxic pesticides with an Acute Oral LD50 range of 501 to 5000 mg/kg.

Category IV – Caution These are very low toxicity pesticides that have an Acute Oral LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg.

Pesticides are also classified by the target pest they are designed to control as indicated in Table 2. Insecticides and miticides are categorized by their chemical composition or their biological activity against the pest. Products that biologically attack a pest are microbial products, which consist of fungi and bacteria. Examples include Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Dipel) and Spinosad (Conserve). The major classes of pesticides and their modes of activity are shown in Table 3.

Table 2. Classification of pesticides by pest controlled. Classification Pest Controlled Insecticides Insects Arachnidicides Mites, Ticks, Spiders Herbicides Weeds Fungicides Fungi Bactericides Bacteria Nematicides Nematodes Rodenticides Rodents Avicides Birds Miticides Mites Pesticides are also classified by their formulation or the form in which they are produced for use. The more common formulations include the following: 1. Emulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC): An EC is a petroleum based product suspended in

water. Slight agitation is required to maintain an EC properly suspended in the spray tank.

2. Wettable Powder (WP or W): A WP is a fine, relatively insoluble powder.

Constant agitation is needed to maintain a WP in suspension in the spray tank.

3. Soluble Powder (S or SP): Soluble powders completely dissolve in water and

require little or no agitation once dissolved. 4.

4. Water-Soluble Concentrate (WS): A WS is a liquid concentrate which is soluble in

water. Little agitation is required once mixed in the spray tank.

5. Flowable (F or L):

A flowable material is a wettable powder in a concentrated solution. Constant agitation is required to maintain suspension in the spray tank.

6. Water-Dispersible Granule (WDG) or Dry Flowable

(DF): A WDG or DF material is a dry, dustless

formulation which requires agitation to maintain suspension in the spray tank

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Table 3. The major classes of pesticides and their mode of activity. Chemical Class Mode of Activity Organophosphates Inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase. This prevents the termination of nerve impulse transmissions. Carbamates Inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase. This prevents the termination of nerve impulse transmissions. Pyrethroids Destabilizes nerve cell membranes. Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Destabilizes nerve cell membranes. Macrocyclic Lactones Affects gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) dependent chloride ion channels,

which inhibit nerve transmission. Insect Growth Regulators Inhibits Chitin synthesis or mimics juvenile hormones. Chitin synthesis inhibitors prevent the formation of chitin, which is an essential component of an insect’s exoskeleton. Juvenile hormone mimics cause insects to remain in a young stage. Soaps and Oils Damages the waxy layer of the exoskeleton of soft-bodies insects, which results in desiccation or the smothering of insects by covering the breathing pores (spiracles). Chloronicotinyls Inhibits reception of nerve impulses, which results in loss of normal behavior. Microbials Infects, devours, changes or inhibits life cycles or life processes of specific pests.

7. Dust (D) and Granule (G): A Dust or Granular material consists of a dry

powder or granular product designed for use “as is” in a dry form.

8. Biological or Biorational: Biological or Biorational products are formulated

in whatever form is required to maintain viability of the active ingredient, which is a biological agent.

9. Ready-to-Use (RTU): A ready to use product that requires no mixing.

This product is more common in the home owner market.

Additional pesticide formulations or modification of existing products include encapsulated or slow release pesticides, fumigants, sterilants, repellents and poisonous baits. Other products used with pesticides include adjuvants, wetting agents or stickers. These

products are used to enhance the uptake, wettability, adhesiveness, longevity, effectiveness or compatibility of a pesticide. The Pesticide Label Proper and safe use of pesticides is essential for successful pest control. Every registered pesticide must have an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved label. This label includes all the information necessary for the correct, safe and legal use of the product. The most important step in pest control is to read, understand, and follow the product label instructions. It is illegal to use any pesticide in a matter inconsistent with its labeling. A product must be labeled for the pest to be controlled and for the crop and site on which it is to be used. Every pesticide on the market is legally registered and labeled by the EPA. The label identifies the chemicals in the product and uses signal words to state the toxicity of the pesticide

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to humans. The label also lists protective equipment needed for proper handling and use of chemicals. The label lists the registered uses for the pesticide that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The pesticide label is the result of years of costly research and development. The statements on the label must be reviewed and approved by the EPA before the product can be sold. However, EPA registration does not guarantee or imply the safety of a pesticide. If the intended use is not listed on the label, do not use the product. Each individual applicator is legally responsible for any accident or loss resulting from using materials that are not approved, or are used improperly. The recommended rates and directions for application also appear on every label. Pesticide labels can consist of several pages of information. Figure 1 displays a Pesticide label with the large insert numbers corresponding to a description of the information on the label as outlined below. 1. Product, Brand, or Trade Names Each manufacturer may have a different brand

name for its product even though the active ingredient may be the same.

2. Type of Pesticide This states the pests controlled, for example,

“Systemic herbicide for control of perennial broadleaf weeds”.

3. Classification Every pesticide is classified by the EPA as either

“General” or “Restricted”. All Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) must carry the following statement on the label: “RESTRICTED-USE PESTICIDE. For sale and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those uses covered by the certified applicator’s certification”.

4. Ingredient Statement Official chemical names, common names, or both

must be listed for all active ingredients. 5. Signal Words and Symbols Signal words indicate how dangerous the product is

to humans. This signal word is usually next to the statement, “Keep out of reach of children,” which must appear on every pesticide label.

6. First Aid or Statement of Practical Treatment This lists the first-aid treatments recommended in

case of poisoning by this product. 7. Precautionary Statements This provides statements about protective clothing

and equipment. 8. Hazards This lists hazards to humans, domestic animals, and

wildlife, plus environmental hazards and physical hazards.

9. Reentry Statement This states how much time must pass before people

can reenter a treated area without appropriate protective clothing.

10. Directions for Use This includes directions for mixing and applying

the pesticide. It also prescribes what rates to apply to what site, what pest and what host plant. If an intended use of a pesticide is not listed on the label, do not use the pesticide.

11. Days to Harvest This defines the minimum number of days that

must pass between the last pesticide application and crop harvest.

12. Storage and Disposal All pesticide labels contain general instructions for the appropriate storage and disposal of the pesticide and its container. Follow these instructions. 13. Manufacturer The law requires the manufacturer or distributor of

a product to include the name and address of the manufacturer on the label.

14. EPA Registration and Establishment Numbers An EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.)

appears on each pesticide label. This number assures that the pesticide label has been reviewed and registered by the EPA. This number is needed by the pesticide applicator in case of accidental poisoning, claims of misuse or faulty product, and for liability claims.

15. Net Contents Amount of product contained in the package or

container.

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Figure 1. Sample Pesticide Label. From: Klass, C. and K.L. Snover-Clift. 2005. Pest Management and the Home Part II: 2005-2006 Pesticide Guidelines. Miscellaneous Bulletin 74. Cornell University Press. Ithaca NY.

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The label is the law! Pesticide users are forbidden to use a pesticide in any way contrary to its labeling. Any use not indicated on the label is prohibited. EPA has declared several products as “Generally Considered Safe”. These products are still registered as pesticides at the federal and state level, but they are exempt from Federal regulations. As a result they are not labeled in the same manner as other products. In addition to the label, each product should be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS’s contain detailed information about the safety and use of the product. All employees must have access to all applicable MSDS’s at any time. The manufacturer is required to provide a MSDS with each product sold. MSDS’s must be on file for retail locations, however, only the label must be provided to a garden center retail customer. When handling and using pesticides, it is essential to minimize or prevent exposure of humans, domestic animals, wildlife, and non-target plants to any type of pesticide. Considering the four common ways in which pesticides enter the body: through the mouth or orally, through the lungs or via respiratory, through the skin or dermally and through the eyes, the following general safety rules should be followed to prevent injury or accidents.

1. Each time a pesticide is used, always read the label carefully before opening the container.

2. Follow the directions carefully and always mix

according to the instructions. Use only the products and the rates required by the label and only for plants and rates specifically listed on the label. Do not make the spray solutions more concentrated to "do a better job"; injury to the applicator, and damage to the crop and environment can result. It is a violation of the law to apply product rates higher than the label rate. Application of rates lower than prescribed by the label is a waste of chemical and money as the product will not be effective in accomplishing control of the pest.

3. Mix chemicals in an outside area. This reduces

the potential of fire or inhalation of vapors. Work with extreme care to prevent spills.

4. Always wear protective clothing. Avoid contact of the chemical with skin or clothing. Refer to the Chapter on Occupational Health and Safety for additional information.

5. Never eat, smoke or use tobacco when applying a

pesticide.

6. When spraying or dusting outdoors, wind causes chemicals to drift, often resulting in damage to an adjoining area. High temperatures can also cause some pesticides to volatilize and drift onto non-target plants. Do not spray on a windy or extremely hot day. The best wind speed for spray applications is two to five miles per hour. Also, be aware that temperature inversions can significantly change pesticide spray distribution patterns.

7. Cover food and water containers for livestock if

located in areas to be sprayed. 8. Consider protection of beneficial insects such as

honeybees as well as predators of harmful pests. Some labels prescribe specific honeybee protection.

9. Food crops require special sprays as well as

special application and re-entry scheduling. Follow label instructions on the timing of the last spray before harvest. Wash fruit and vegetables before eating.

10. Post all required spray information and the

permitted re-entry time in accordance with the label. Posting must occur in the field and in a building accessible to all employees. It is also best to inform employees orally about spray operations.

11. Whenever possible, work in pairs when applying

pesticides. If one person gets into trouble, the partner can provide or seek assistance.

12. If sickness or an unusual feeling occurs during or

after pesticide application, seek appropriate medical assistance immediately.

13. The law requires each applicator to keep a written

record of what was applied to which plant(s), including: date, weather conditions, plant conditions, posting and re-entry requirements and

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any other pertinent information. Figure 2 provides an example of a form to use for pesticide application records.

14. Always wash the entire body thoroughly after

applying pesticides. 15. Wash contaminated clothing separately from other

clothing. Also wash respirators after each application and change filters on a regular basis.

16. OSHA Publication No. 3084 titled, Chemical

Hazard Communication, provides information on chemical safety for employers and employees. It is available from the OSHA Publication Office (202-523-9667).

When using pesticides, it is important to avoid plant injury or phytotoxicity. Excessive application rates are common causes of plant injury. Another cause of phytotoxicity is tank-mixing two pesticides that are incompatible. Compatibility is a physical condition that prevents pest control materials from mixing properly in a spray solution. Phytotoxicity may not always be caused by the pesticide active ingredient, as it may be due to the “carrier” or solvents in the formulation such as xylene. Phytotoxicity may also be due to impurities in the water used in mixing the pesticide. In addition, environmental conditions, including temperature and sunlight at the time of application, may influence phytotoxicity. For example, pesticides should not be applied when the ambient air temperature is greater than 85°F and humidity is high. Phytotoxicity symptoms include slight burning or browning of leaves causing necrosis, bleaching of foliage, or death of the plant. Before applying any pesticide, always calibrate application equipment before use and periodically during the season. Always follow recommended label rates. When combining pesticides, conduct a “jar test” to determine their compatibility. This involves mixing a sample of the two sprays to be used in an empty jar or other transparent container. Let the mixed solution sit for approximately 15 minutes. If the pesticides are not compatible, there will be a noticeable separation, layering, or precipitation within the two liquids, wherein flakes, crystals or sludge may form. If the two products are compatible, the solution will appear homogeneous or look like milk. Applications of pesticides that are not compatible may be ineffective, may be phytotoxic and may create major problems with application equipment.

Pesticide Storage Proper storage of pesticides in a safe location is imperative. Pesticides do have a shelf life so their effectiveness can diminish with time. Pesticide products should always be stored in original containers. The contents of unlabeled containers, their dilution rates, and application rates should not be submitted to memory. Never store pesticides in soft drink or milk bottles. Fire safety must be a major consideration in the storage of all pesticides because many pesticides are flammable and/or explosive. Inform the local fire department of the location of all pesticides and provide an inventory of products stored to the fire department. Pesticides and mixing equipment must always be stored under lock and key. This will protect the innocent and ignorant. Store pesticides in a separate building or area away from people and food. Avoid putting clothes, respirators or personal items nearby. The pesticide storage area should be well-ventilated and dry with adequate lighting. Post clearly visible warning signs near all primary entryways. Maintain records of all pesticides in storage. Include the date of purchase and the date placed in storage. Keep records in a separate building and provide a copy to the local fire department. Ideal storage conditions for most pesticides are temperatures of 55°F-65°F and a relative humidity of 40-50 percent. Don’t store herbicides with insecticides or fungicides as vapors from certain herbicides such as 2, 4-D, may combine with other pesticides for cross-contamination. This can cause potential damage to treated plants. Be sure that all containers are sealed tight. In general, most chemical pesticides should not be stored for longer than three years. However, this depends on the formulation, storage conditions and active ingredient. Many pesticides will not store that long and most pesticides should never be frozen. Minnesota requires all commercial and non-commercial applicators to maintain an Incident Response Plan including, but not limited to storage and filling facilities, spills, application errors, safety programs and training, and all other pesticide activities. Pesticide containers must be disposed of in accordance with the label and the law. Prior to disposal, the “Triple Rinse” practice must be conducted. Rinsing

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Figure 2. Sample form of a pesticide application record, which displays required information to be recorded for all

pesticide applications. Forms are available from State Departments of Agriculture or various supply companies.

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pesticide containers with water is an effective way to remove the pesticide from the container. Triple rinsing is a method used to properly rinse pesticide containers. It means just that: rinse the container three times. It is used with plastic, non-pressurized metal and glass containers. The rinse water from rinsing the container must be applied to the same target pest as the original pesticide by placing the rinsate into the spray tank. Never pour rinse water on the ground or down the drain. Unless rinsed from the container right away, some pesticides will dry out quickly and become difficult to remove. Rinsing pesticide containers is a good, sound environmental practice. Pesticide Laws and Regulations There are a number of laws at the federal and state levels which regulate pesticides and pesticide use. It is important that everyone involved with pesticides be aware of the regulations which affect them. Examples of laws affecting pesticide use include the following: 1. FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and

Rodenticide Act, as amended in 1972. FIFRA is a complex law. The law directly affects the nursery and landscape industry stating:

a. All pesticide usage must be classified as

Restricted Use or General Use. Under the law, pesticide usage that will cause little or no damage to the environment when used as the label directs, can be classified as General Use. Pesticide usage that could cause damage even when used as directed on the label must be classified as Restricted Use.

b. Individuals must be licensed as competent

applicators to use any of the pesticides classified as Restricted Use. Commercial applicators must be licensed to apply General Use and Restricted Use Pesticides.

c. Penalties are levied for people who do not obey

the law. 2. Transportation Regulations: The Federal

Department of Transportation issues regulations related to the interstate transport of pesticides.

3. Minnesota Pesticide Control Law of 1976: As

mandated by FIFRA, the “Applicator Certification Law is administered in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

a. This Minnesota law classifies applicators into three groups as follows: (1). Private Applicators Applicators who apply "General Use"

Pesticides on their own property. (2). Non-Commercial Applicators Applicators who work for the property

owner and apply "General Use" and "Restricted Use" Pesticides only on the owner's property.

(3). Commercial Applicators Applicators who work for a firm and apply

"General Use" and "Restricted Use" Pesticides on customers' property.

b. This Minnesota law also regulates other aspects

of pesticide use including the following: (1). Certification and Recertification. (2). Posting of Treated Areas. (3). Record Keeping. (4). Notice to Workers . (5). Right-to-Know Law. (6). Special-Use Permits. (7). Water Contamination. (8). Overspray and Drift. (9). Pesticide Storage. (10).Equipment. (11). Pesticide Disposal. 4. EPA Worker Protection Standards (WPS): The

EPA has implemented Worker Protection Standards (WPS) which became law in 1992. The law requires employers to provide workers with the information and equipment necessary to protect themselves from pesticides while working in agricultural establishments including farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses.

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This EPA Worker Protection Standards law is quite complex and has changed the way many chemical pest control programs are conducted.

Please see the links below to the EPA Worker Protection Standards. Quick Reference Guide Web Links EPA Worker Protection Standard Topic Page http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html WPS Publications Page http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/awor.html Revised (2005) HTC Manual http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html If a pesticide is accidentally spilled or its container breaks or leaks, applicators are required by law to report the spill immediately to the State of Minnesota. The number to call is 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798. The call will be returned by a representative of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Clean-up may involve containing the spill, absorbing the spilled product, and packaging and removal of the absorbent material. Proper pesticide utilization is everyone's responsibility from the homeowner, to the applicator, to the corporate board of directors. The label must always be followed because it is the law. Rates must be calculated accurately and equipment properly calibrated. Table 4 provides conversion information for determining Parts per Million (ppm), Milligrams Per Liter (mg/l), Parts Per Thousand (ppt), Grams Per Liter (gm/l) and percent (%). This information can be of value in calculating application rates or concentrations for pesticides, growth regulators and fertilizers. Pesticides can be valuable and environmentally sound tools in nursery production systems and in landscape management. They can improve the environment and increase profits, but when used improperly, they can be detrimental and costly. Pesticide safety and efficacy will be determined by all of those that use and manage the products. Some information on Pesticide Management will be repeated in other parts of this Chapter of this manual. This repetition is relative to its importance to the applicator, the industry and the environment. Emergency Pesticide Poisoning Phone Numbers Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 US EPA Pesticide Hotline 1-800-858-7378

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Table 4. Table of Equivalent Measures for the calculation of rates of application for pesticides, growth regulators and fertilizers. Parts per Milligrams Parts per Grams per Million per Liter Thousand Liter Percent (ppm) (mg/l) (ppt) (gm/l) (%) 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000 1,000 100 100,000 100,000 100 100 10 10,000 10,000 10 10 1 1,000 1,000 1 1 0.1 100 100 0.1 0.1 0.01 10 10 0.01 0.01 0.001 1 1 0.001 0.001 0.0001 0.1 0.1 0.0001 0.0001 0.00001

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PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT Part II: Pesticide Health Risk Assessment Dean Herzfeld, Rochelle Hamp and Bert T. Swanson Pesticides affect everyone's daily life. Pesticides can be both good and bad as there are both benefits and risks associated with pesticide use. Pesticides are one of many defenses against pests; the pests that produce spots on apples or make bedding plants of poor quality and unsalable. Much of the increase in human life expectancy today can be attributed to better health care, and part of this health care success in the United States is due to pesticides. Pesticides kill mosquitoes; they kill disease organisms in food plants; and they kill infectious organisms in hospital operating rooms. However, in addition to good quality health, it is also necessary to produce good quality food. Pesticides play a major role in the production of the quantity and quality of the food supply in the United States and the world. Pesticides do have undesirable effects such as contaminating air and water, or injuring non-target animals or plants. Their use can also lead to resistant pests. Pesticides can also injure the people that apply them. However, few, if any of these undesirable effects need to happen, and should not happen if the pesticides are used according to labeled directions. Children, pregnant women and super sensitive individuals have a higher vulnerability to pesticides. The name "pesticide" is part Latin; the ending "CIDE" means killer or destroyer, so the word "pesticide" means killer of pests. However, not all “Pesticides” actually kill the pest. Some repel, pheromones confuse, insect growth regulars (IGR’s) interrupt growth stages, some infect and some have other biological activity. Many different kinds of pesticides exist. Insecticides control insects, herbicides kill weeds, germicides kill germs, and rodenticides kill rodents. Each chemical was selected because it controlled a particular type of pest. Pesticides are readily available in hardware stores, department stores, and even grocery stores. They are part of every one's every day life. As a result, there are

often accidental poisonings within the home. The vast majority of people poisoned in the home are children under the age of five. Practically no accidental poisonings occur in children before the crawling age. Once children start crawling, they are more likely to get into something, and the number of child poisonings increases until it peaks between the ages of two and three. After the child reaches three years of age, the number of poisonings drops rapidly so that by the age of five, a child is quite unlikely to become an accidental poisoning statistic. Most childhood poisonings occur during the day between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This is when children are hungry and likely to eat anything they can reach. Keep in mind that it takes less poison to harm a child compared to an adult because the child has less body weight. A chemical having a lethal dose of one pound for an adult, may only require one-quarter pound to be lethal to a child. Prevention of childhood poisoning is simply a matter of proper storage wherein all pesticides should be stored in a locked facility at all times. Specific terms must be understood to discuss pesticides. First, and most important, is toxicity. Toxicity is the natural capacity of a substance to cause injury to an organ in the body such as the liver or kidneys or to disrupt a process in the body such as blood production or the function of the nervous system. Toxicity is in contrast to corrosiveness which does damage at the site of contact. A good example of corrosiveness is the skin burn caused by an acid. Toxicity usually occurs at a site in the human body away from the contact area. Toxicity is dependent on dosage, or the amount of chemical to which one has been exposed to over a period of time. This is called the dosage-time relationship. "Everything is toxic - yet nothing is toxic." Most chemicals are toxic if a large enough amount is taken in a short period of time. Everyone ingests many lethal doses of chemicals, both natural and synthetic, during their lifetime. For instance, there is a lethal dose of

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caffeine in 100 cups of coffee. There is a lethal dose of solanine in 100 to 400 pounds of potatoes. There is a lethal dose of ethanol in a fifth of scotch, bourbon, gin or tequila. There is a lethal dose of aspirin in a bottle of 100 tablets. People survive these dosages because they are taken over a relatively long period of time. Human bodies are marvelous filtering devices and can handle a small amount of foreign chemicals, both natural and synthetic. The body excretes them or metabolizes them within sufficient time to reduce the danger. A distinction must be made between toxicity and hazard. The hazard of a toxic chemical is based on two factors: its inherent toxicity, and the ease with which a person can contact the pesticide. For example, almost everyone will recognize that most fumigants are very potent poisons, yet when sealed in a container, they can be handled safely with no hazard. Their toxicity has not changed, but they do not present a hazard because contact is limited while they are in containers. A hazard is a combination of toxicity and exposure. Two different types of toxicity exist. The first is called acute toxicity. Acute toxicity refers to a poisoning that occurs as a result of a one-time exposure to a large amount of the pesticide. The organophosphates can cause acute toxicity poisoning and they are a group of pesticides that are used in the nursery and landscape profession. These are nerve poisons. A large, sudden dosage causes the nervous system to stop the lungs from functioning, which results in respiratory failure. There are, however, several signs of acute poisoning that will occur upon exposure to organophosphates before breathing is affected. These include: irritation of eyes, ears, nose, and throat; nausea; vomiting; dizziness; headache; staggered walking; tired feeling; and problems with speaking and sight. These same symptoms occur from the use of alcohol as alcohol is also a nerve poison. The other type of toxicity is chronic toxicity. Chronic refers to the ability of a pesticide to produce toxicity as a result of many repeated low exposures over a prolonged period of time. Chronic toxicity is of more concern than acute toxicity because the consequences are not understood as well as those of acute poisoning. For example, the occasional drunk will suffer from dizziness, staggering, and nausea while the chronic

exposure an alcoholic receives may result in a different set of problems such as cirrhosis of the liver. Chronic poisoning is of particular importance when exposed to organophosphates and carbamates. Both groups are cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides. Cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides share several physical and chemical properties. Most of them dissolve well in organic solvents and they have a disagreeable skunk-like odor. They are absorbed readily through the skin so that extensive contact can result in a severe poisoning. Organ phosphates and carbamates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is an enzyme that decreases the acetylcholine in the nervous system. Among other functions, acetylocholine transmits nerve impulses to muscles and glands in the stomach, bladder, eye, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. Disruption of these functions can cause death. LD50 values measure and compare the toxicity of pesticides. LD means "lethal dose"; the 50 means that a specific dose will kill 50 percent of a population of test animals. The LD50 is found by feeding or exposing several groups of test animals to increasing amounts of a pesticide. Since LD50 is a statistical estimate of a chemical dose that kills 50% of the test animals, it is apparent that the larger the LD number, the less toxic the pesticide. There are three ways pesticides can enter the human body: through the lungs by inhalation, through the mouth by ingestion, and through the skin or eyes by absorption. Inhalation is a common route of exposure. The mode of entry is absorption through the lungs. Because the lungs have a great deal of surface area, they are very poor barriers against the entry of pesticides into the body. It is estimated that the average adult has about 750 square feet of lung surface, compared to about 20 square feet of skin. The more surface area, the more absorption is possible. The critical job of the lungs is to transfer oxygen from air to the blood, and carbon dioxide from blood to air. This 750 square feet of lung surface not only allows the passage of oxygen into the blood stream, but many pesticides also. Another exposure to pesticides is through ingestion where the mode of entry is absorption through the lining of the digestive track. Infants absorb more through their stomach than adults. This may be

1106

36.2-3

another reason why they are much more susceptible to stomach poisonings. The third exposure route is dermal, or absorption through the skin or eyes. Research estimates that more than 90 percent of the pesticide applicator's exposure is thorough skin contact. Protection from pesticide inhalation exposure is accomplished by filtering the air prior to inhalation. Cartridge respirators are very effective safety devices for filtering organic pesticides from the air. They come in different designs: half face and full face, with one or two cartridges. The cartridge is the key. It captures the contaminants in its filter cartridges which use activated charcoal as part of its adsorption system. The cartridges must be changed periodically depending on several factors including the rate of air passage required by the user and the concentration of the pesticide in the air. These respirators cannot be used where fumigants are used or in a low-oxygen atmosphere. In these cases, a self-contained breathing apparatus or an oxygen breathing apparatus is required. Applicators and handlers should consult a physician for proper fitting, testing and functioning of a self-contained breathing apparatus. Each worker who has the need for a respirator should have his/her own respirator, and should be responsible for its maintenance. Maintenance includes changing cartridges and washing the unit in soap and water after every use. Unless washed, a dirty respirator can be the source of exposure. Also, the respirator needs to be stored properly after each use; a zip lock bag works very well. Protection from ingesting a pesticide requires that at least two practices be followed. First, good personal hygiene habits are essential to keep pesticide residues on the hands from entering the mouth. Always wash hands before smoking, drinking, eating or using the bathroom. Even if gloves are worn, establish this habit. Secondly, use only proper containers with labels for the storage of pesticides. Never use just any old bottle or jar to store that little extra or left-over pesticide. An other critical route of entry into the body is through the eyes. Eyes can absorb pesticides faster than any other area on the outside of the body. There are several very thin membranes and a great deal of blood

flow that allows a chemical splashed into the eyes quick access to the blood stream and, therefore, to the rest of the body. The eyes are easily protected with the aid of goggles or a face shied. Anyone mixing or working with concentrated pesticides should always wear eye protection. Other areas of the body also need protection. Good non-lined rubber boots are very important to keep pesticides from soaking into shoes and feet. Leather shoes contaminated with concentrated pesticides must be destroyed. The groin area also absorbs pesticides much faster than other skin areas; therefore, this area of the body must be protected. The groin can easily be protected by wearing a rubber apron. Hands are a critical area of pesticide exposure. Research has shown that if pesticide applicators would wear gloves and long sleeves, they would cut their total exposure to pesticides by at least 90 percent. The type of gloves worn is important. Rubber or neoprene gloves are the best. Cotton or canvas gloves could expose the applicator to more pesticides than wearing no gloves. Rubber gloves with cotton or cloth lining are also not good as the cloth absorbs and holds pesticides much like leather shoes. Consult the label for specific types of gloves that may be required for different products. A good plastic bump cap or hardhat is also needed. It is an excellent way to protect the head, as pesticides can be absorbed through the scalp. The headband must be plastic with no leather or cloth sweatbands. Wash the hat when the job is completed so today's chemicals won't be tomorrow's poison. Some pesticides, such as fumigants, require more stringent protective clothing and equipment. Read, study and follow the label; look specifically for the Worker Protection Standard for each product. Clothing that has been worn while working with pesticides requires special washing. First pre-rinse and pre-soak these clothes. Wash them alone, not with other clothing. Use hot water and a liquid detergent. Bleach or ammonia are not needed nor recommended. Line drying is best as it will not risk contaminating the dryer. All pesticides come with a very important document attached called the label. The label is a legal document, one required by law and one that contains

1106

36.2-4

the information required to use the pesticide. Always read, understand, and follow the label when using a pesticide. The label will always tell the name of the product and its active ingredients, including how it should be stored and the hazards of its use. It includes the directions for use, proper rates of application, and who can legally apply the pesticide. Pesticides labeled General Use Pesticides can be purchased and used by anyone. Pesticides labeled Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) can only be purchased and applied by certified applicators. To earn certification, a worker must be trained in the use of hazardous pesticides and pass appropriate tests. Very important signal words on the label indicate the relative toxicity of the pesticides. The word CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER is always on the label. The signal word "CAUTION" means that the product is slightly toxic and has an oral LD50 over 500 mg/kg. "WARNING" means the product is moderately toxic and the LD50 will be 51 to 500 mg/kg. “Danger” means the product is highly toxic and the LD50 will be 1-50 mg/kg. There may also be two different time intervals listed on the label: Restricted Entry Interval (REI) and "Days-to-Harvest”. "Days-to-harvest" intervals refer to the number of days between treatment and harvest. Restricted Intervals specify that no one may enter the treated area without complete body protection during that interval of time. The Worker Protection Standards (WPS) establishes Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) for all pesticides used for the commercial production of plants in greenhouses, nurseries, forestry and farming. REI's under the WPS will range from a minimum of zero to four hours for the least toxic pesticides to 48 hours for the most toxic. A few pesticides that are used in areas with less than 25 inches of precipitation a year may have REI's up to 72 hours. There are additional entry restrictions and many other pesticide employee health protection related requirements under the WPS for greenhouses and nurseries. To determine specific requirements of the Worker Protection Standards, contact a local county extension office, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, or obtain EPA's How to comply with The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides: What Employers Need To

Know. The manual is available from EPA and a number of pesticide safety supply businesses.

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

EPA/7335-B-05-002 EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic

Substances

How to Comply With the Worker Protection Standard

For Agricultural Pesticides: What Employers Need to

Know

Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (MC 7506C) Washington, D.C. 20460

http:// www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm

AD

DIT

ION

AL

DU

TIES

FO

R H

AN

DLE

R EM

PLO

YERS

(co

nt)

2. K

eep

pest

icid

e la

belin

g ac

cess

ible

to e

ach

hand

ler d

urin

g en

tire

hand

ling

task

.

3. B

efor

e ha

ndle

rs u

se a

ny a

ssig

ned

hand

ling

equi

pmen

t, te

ll th

em h

ow to

use

it s

afel

y.

4. W

hen

com

mer

cial

han

dler

s w

ill b

e on

an

agri

cultu

ral

esta

blis

hmen

t, in

form

them

bef

oreh

and

of:

�ar

eas

on th

e es

tabl

ishm

ent w

here

pes

ticid

es w

ill b

e ap

plie

d or

whe

re a

n R

EI w

ill b

e in

eff

ect,

�re

stri

ctio

ns o

n en

teri

ng th

ose

area

s.

(The

agr

icul

tura

l est

ablis

hmen

t ope

rato

r mus

t giv

e yo

u th

ese

fact

s.)

Equi

pmen

t Saf

ety

1. In

spec

t pes

ticid

e ha

ndlin

g eq

uipm

ent b

efor

e ea

ch u

se, a

nd

repa

ir o

r rep

lace

as

need

ed.

2. A

llow

onl

y ap

prop

riat

ely

trai

ned

and

equi

pped

han

dler

s to

re

pair,

cle

an, o

r adj

ust p

estic

ide

equi

pmen

t tha

t con

tain

s pe

stic

ides

or r

esid

ues.

Pe

rson

al P

rote

ctiv

e Eq

uipm

ent (

PPE)

D

utie

s Re

late

d to

PPE

1.

Pro

vide

han

dler

s w

ith th

e PP

E th

e pe

stic

ide

labe

ling

requ

ires

for t

he ta

sk, a

nd b

e su

re it

is:

�cl

ean

and

in o

pera

ting

cond

ition

, �

wor

n an

d us

ed c

orre

ctly

, �

insp

ecte

d be

fore

eac

h da

y of

use

, �

repa

ired

or r

epla

ced

as n

eede

d.

2. B

e su

re re

spir

ator

s fi

t cor

rect

ly.

3. T

ake

step

s to

avo

id h

eat i

llnes

s.

4. P

rovi

de h

andl

ers

a pe

stic

ide-

free

are

a fo

r:

�st

orin

g pe

rson

al c

loth

ing

not i

n us

e,

�pu

tting

on

PPE

at s

tart

of t

ask,

�ta

king

off

PPE

at e

nd o

f tas

k.

5. D

o no

t allo

w u

sed

PPE

to b

e w

orn

hom

e or

take

n ho

me.

Ca

re o

f PP

E 1.

Sto

re a

nd w

ash

used

PPE

sep

arat

ely

from

oth

er c

loth

ing

and

laun

dry.

2. If

PPE

will

be

reus

ed, c

lean

it b

efor

e ea

ch d

ay o

f reu

se,

acco

rdin

g to

the

inst

ruct

ions

from

the

PPE

man

ufac

ture

r un

less

the

pest

icid

e la

belin

g sp

ecif

ies

othe

r req

uire

men

ts. I

f th

ere

are

no o

ther

inst

ruct

ions

, was

h in

det

erge

nt a

nd h

ot

wat

er.

3. D

ry th

e cl

ean

PPE

bef

ore

stor

ing,

or h

ang

to d

ry.

4. S

tore

cle

an P

PE a

way

from

oth

er c

loth

ing

and

away

from

pe

stic

ide

area

s.

Repl

acin

g Re

spir

ator

Pur

ifyi

ng E

lem

ents

1.

Rep

lace

dus

t/mis

t filt

ers:

�

whe

n br

eath

ing

beco

mes

dif

ficu

lt,

�w

hen

filte

r is

dam

aged

or t

orn,

�

whe

n re

spir

ator

labe

l or p

estic

ide

labe

l req

uire

s(w

hich

ever

is s

hort

er),

or

�at

the

end

of d

ay’s

wor

k pe

riod

, in

the

abse

nce

of a

ny o

ther

in

stru

ctio

ns o

r in

dica

tions

.

2. R

epla

ce v

apor

-rem

ovin

g ca

rtri

dges

/can

iste

rs:

�w

hen

odor

/tast

e/ir

rita

tion

is n

otic

ed,

�w

hen

resp

irat

or la

bel o

r pes

ticid

e la

bel r

equi

res

(whi

chev

er is

sho

rter

), o

r�

at th

e en

d of

day

’s w

ork

peri

od, i

n th

e ab

senc

e of

any

oth

er

inst

ruct

ions

or

indi

catio

ns.

Dis

posa

l of P

PE

1. D

isca

rd c

over

alls

and

oth

er a

bsor

bent

mat

eria

ls th

at a

re

heav

ily c

onta

min

ated

with

und

ilute

d pe

stic

ide

havi

ng a

“D

AN

GE

R”

or “

WA

RN

ING

” si

gnal

wor

d.

2. F

ollo

w fe

dera

l, st

ate,

and

loca

l law

s w

hen

disp

osin

g of

PPE

th

at c

anno

t be

clea

ned

corr

ectly

. In

stru

ctio

ns f

or P

eopl

e W

ho C

lean

PPE

In

form

peo

ple

who

cle

an o

r lau

nder

PPE

: �

that

PPE

may

be

cont

amin

ated

with

pes

ticid

es,

�of

the

pote

ntia

lly h

arm

ful e

ffec

ts o

f exp

osur

e to

pes

ticid

es,

�ho

w to

pro

tect

them

selv

es w

hen

hand

ling

PPE

,�

how

to c

lean

PPE

cor

rect

ly.

Qui

ck R

efer

ence

Gui

de W

eb L

inks

E

PA W

orke

r P

rote

ctio

n St

anda

rd T

opic

Pag

e ht

tp://

ww

w.e

pa.g

ov/a

gric

ultu

re/tw

or.h

tml

WP

S P

ublic

atio

ns P

age

http

://w

ww

.epa

.gov

/agr

icul

ture

/aw

or.h

tml

Rev

ised

(200

5) H

TC

Man

ual

http

://w

ww

.epa

.gov

/agr

icul

ture

/htc

.htm

l

For

Mor

e In

form

atio

n N

atio

nal A

gric

ultu

re C

ompl

ianc

e Ass

ista

nce

Cen

ter

901

N. 5

th S

tree

t K

ansa

s C

ity, K

S 66

101

Toll-

free

: 1-

888-

663-

2155

In

tern

et:

ww

w.e

pa.g

ov/a

gric

ultu

re

Fax:

91

3-55

1-72

70

EP

A 3

05-F

-05-

005

Ag

Cen

ter

# 52

216

Nov

embe

r 20

05

The

Qui

ck R

efer

ence

Gui

de o

utlin

es w

hat i

s ne

cess

ary

for y

ou to

com

ply

with

the

Wor

ker P

rote

ctio

n St

anda

rd.

The

WPS

is a

fed

eral

reg

ulat

ion

desi

gned

to

prot

ect a

gric

ultu

ral w

orke

rs (p

eopl

e in

volv

ed in

the

prod

uctio

n of

agr

icul

tura

l pla

nts)

and

pes

tici

de

hand

lers

(peo

ple

mix

ing,

load

ing,

or

appl

ying

pe

stic

ides

or d

oing

oth

er ta

sks

invo

lvin

g di

rect

con

tact

w

ith p

estic

ides

). T

his

guid

e pr

esen

ts th

e m

axim

um

WPS

requ

irem

ents

. It

doe

s no

t inc

lude

exc

eptio

ns th

at

may

per

mit

you

to d

o le

ss o

r opt

ions

that

may

invo

lve

diff

eren

t req

uire

men

ts. T

he r

evis

ed (

2005

) H

ow T

o C

ompl

y W

ith th

e W

orke

r P

rote

ctio

n St

anda

rd fo

r A

gric

ultu

ral P

estic

ides

has

mor

e in

form

atio

n ab

out

your

res

pons

ibili

ties,

exc

eptio

ns a

nd o

ptio

ns. T

here

are

so

me

exem

ptio

ns fo

r ow

ners

of a

gric

ultu

ral

esta

blis

hmen

ts a

nd m

embe

rs o

f the

ir im

med

iate

fam

ily.

QU

ICK

REFE

REN

CE

GU

IDE

2005

UPD

ATE

WO

RKER

PRO

TECT

ION

STA

ND

ARD

(WPS

) IN

CLU

DIN

G A

LL R

EVIS

ION

S TH

ROU

GH

200

4

DU

TIES

FO

R AL

L EM

PLO

YERS

An

ti-R

etal

iati

on

Do

not r

etal

iate

aga

inst

a w

orke

r or h

andl

er w

ho a

ttem

pts

to

com

ply

with

the

WPS

In

form

atio

n at

a C

entr

al L

ocat

ion

1. In

an

easi

ly s

een

cent

ral l

ocat

ion

on e

ach

agri

cultu

ral

esta

blis

hmen

t, di

spla

y cl

ose

toge

ther

: �

EPA

WPS

saf

ety

post

er,

�na

me,

add

ress

, and

tele

phon

e nu

mbe

r of t

he n

eare

st

emer

genc

y m

edic

al fa

cilit

y,

�th

ese

fact

s ab

out e

ach

pest

icid

e ap

plic

atio

n [f

rom

bef

ore

each

app

licat

ion

begi

ns u

ntil

30 d

ays

afte

r the

rest

rict

ed-

entr

y in

terv

al (R

EI)

]:

–pr

oduc

t nam

e, E

PA re

gist

ratio

n nu

mbe

r, an

d ac

tive

ingr

edie

nt(s

),

–lo

catio

n an

d de

scri

ptio

n of

trea

ted

area

, –

time

and

date

of a

pplic

atio

n, a

nd R

EI.

2. T

ell w

orke

rs a

nd h

andl

ers

whe

re th

e in

form

atio

n is

pos

ted,

an

d al

low

them

acc

ess.

3. T

ell t

hem

if e

mer

genc

y fa

cilit

y in

form

atio

n ch

ange

s an

d up

date

the

post

ed in

form

atio

n.

4. K

eep

the

post

ed in

form

atio

n le

gibl

e.

Pest

icid

e Sa

fety

Tra

inin

g U

nles

s th

ey p

osse

ss a

val

id E

PA-a

ppro

ved

trai

ning

car

d, tr

ain

hand

lers

and

wor

kers

bef

ore

they

beg

in w

ork

and

at le

ast

once

eac

h 5

year

s:

�us

e w

ritte

n an

d/or

aud

iovi

sual

mat

eria

ls,

�us

e E

PA W

PS h

andl

er tr

aini

ng m

ater

ials

for t

rain

ing

hand

lers

, �

use

EPA

WPS

wor

ker t

rain

ing

mat

eria

ls fo

r tra

inin

g w

orke

rs,

�ha

ve a

cer

tifie

d ap

plic

ator

con

duct

the

trai

ning

ora

lly

and/

or a

udio

visu

ally

in a

man

ner t

he e

mpl

oyee

s ca

n un

ders

tand

, usi

ng e

asily

und

erst

ood

term

s, a

nd re

spon

d to

que

stio

ns.

Dec

onta

min

atio

n Su

pplie

s 1.

Est

ablis

h ac

cess

ible

dec

onta

min

atio

n su

pplie

s lo

cate

d to

geth

er w

ithin

1/4

mile

of a

ll w

orke

rs a

nd h

andl

ers.

Sup

ply:

�

enou

gh w

ater

for r

outin

e an

d em

erge

ncy

who

le-b

ody

was

hing

and

for e

yefl

ushi

ng,

�pl

enty

of s

oap

and

sing

le-u

se to

wel

s,

�a

clea

n co

vera

ll.

2. P

rovi

de w

ater

that

is s

afe

and

cool

eno

ugh

for w

ashi

ng, f

or

eyef

lush

ing,

and

for d

rink

ing.

Do

not u

se ta

nk-s

tore

d w

ater

th

at is

als

o us

ed fo

r mix

ing

pest

icid

es.

3. P

rovi

de h

andl

ers

the

sam

e su

pplie

s w

here

per

sona

l pr

otec

tive

equi

pmen

t (PP

E) i

s re

mov

ed a

t the

end

of a

task

.

4. P

rovi

de th

e sa

me

supp

lies

at e

ach

mix

ing

and

load

ing

site

.

5. M

ake

at le

ast 1

pin

t eye

flus

h w

ater

imm

edia

tely

acc

essi

ble

to

each

han

dler

.

6. D

o no

t put

wor

ker

deco

ntam

inat

ion

supp

lies

in a

reas

bei

ng

trea

ted

or u

nder

an

RE

I.

7. In

are

as b

eing

trea

ted,

put

dec

onta

min

atio

n su

pplie

s fo

r ha

ndle

rs in

enc

lose

d co

ntai

ners

. Em

ploy

er In

form

atio

n Ex

chan

ge

1. B

efor

e an

y ap

plic

atio

n, c

omm

erci

al h

andl

er e

mpl

oyer

s m

ust

mak

e su

re th

e op

erat

or o

f the

agr

icul

tura

l est

ablis

hmen

t whe

re a

pe

stic

ide

will

be

appl

ied

is a

war

e of

: �

loca

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

of a

rea

to b

e tr

eate

d,

�tim

e an

d da

te o

f app

licat

ion,

�

prod

uct n

ame,

EPA

regi

stra

tion

num

ber,

activ

ein

gred

ient

(s),

and

RE

I,

�w

heth

er th

e pr

oduc

t lab

el re

quir

es b

oth

oral

war

ning

s an

d tr

eate

d ar

ea p

ostin

g,

�al

l oth

er s

afet

y re

quir

emen

ts o

n la

belin

g fo

r wor

kers

or

othe

r pe

ople

.

2. O

pera

tors

of a

gric

ultu

ral e

stab

lishm

ents

mus

t mak

e su

re a

ny

com

mer

cial

pes

ticid

e es

tabl

ishm

ent o

pera

tor t

hey

hire

is a

war

e of

: �

spec

ific

loca

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

of a

ll ar

eas

on th

e ag

ricu

ltura

l est

ablis

hmen

t whe

re p

estic

ides

will

be

appl

ied

or w

here

an

RE

I will

be

in e

ffec

t whi

le th

e co

mm

erci

al

hand

ler i

s on

the

esta

blis

hmen

t, �

rest

rict

ions

on

ente

ring

thos

e ar

eas.

Emer

genc

y As

sist

ance

W

hen

any

hand

ler o

r wor

ker m

ay h

ave

been

poi

sone

d or

inju

red

by p

estic

ides

:

1. P

rom

ptly

mak

e tr

ansp

orta

tion

avai

labl

e to

an

appr

opri

ate

med

ical

faci

lity.

2. P

rom

ptly

pro

vide

to th

e vi

ctim

and

to m

edic

al p

erso

nnel

: �

prod

uct n

ame,

EPA

regi

stra

tion

num

ber,

and

activ

ein

gred

ient

(s),

�

all f

irst

aid

and

med

ical

info

rmat

ion

from

labe

l, �

desc

ript

ion

of h

ow th

e pe

stic

ide

was

use

d,

�in

form

atio

n ab

out v

ictim

’s e

xpos

ure.

AD

DIT

ION

AL

DU

TIES

FO

R W

ORK

ER

EMPL

OYE

RS

Rest

rict

ions

Dur

ing

Appl

icat

ions

1.

In a

reas

bei

ng tr

eate

d w

ith p

estic

ides

, allo

w e

ntry

onl

y to

ap

prop

riat

ely

trai

ned

and

equi

pped

han

dler

s.

2. K

eep

nurs

ery

wor

kers

at l

east

100

feet

aw

ay fr

om n

urse

ry

area

s be

ing

trea

ted.

3. A

llow

onl

y ha

ndle

rs to

be

in a

gre

enho

use:

�

duri

ng a

pes

ticid

e ap

plic

atio

n,

�un

til la

belin

g-lis

ted

air c

once

ntra

tion

leve

l is

met

or,

if

no s

uch

leve

l, un

til a

fter

2 h

ours

of v

entil

atio

n w

ith fa

ns.

Rest

rict

ed-E

ntry

Inte

rval

s (R

EIs)

D

urin

g an

y R

EI,

do

not a

llow

wor

kers

to e

nter

a tr

eate

d ar

ea

and

cont

act a

nyth

ing

trea

ted

with

the

pest

icid

e to

whi

ch th

e R

EI a

pplie

s.

Not

ice

Abou

t App

licat

ions

1.

Ora

lly w

arn

wor

kers

and

pos

t tre

ated

are

as if

the

pest

icid

e la

belin

g re

quir

es.

2. O

ther

wis

e, e

ithe

r or

ally

war

n w

orke

rs o

r pos

t ent

ranc

es to

tr

eate

d ar

eas.

Tel

l wor

kers

whi

ch m

etho

d is

in e

ffec

t.

3. P

ost a

ll gr

eenh

ouse

app

licat

ions

. Po

sted

War

ning

Sig

ns

1. P

ost l

egib

le 1

4" x

16"

WPS

-des

ign

sign

s ju

st b

efor

e ap

plic

atio

n; k

eep

post

ed d

urin

g R

EI;

rem

ove

befo

re w

orke

rs

ente

r and

with

in 3

day

s af

ter t

he e

nd o

f the

RE

I.

2. P

ost s

igns

so

they

can

be

seen

at a

ll en

tran

ces

to tr

eate

d ar

eas,

incl

udin

g en

tran

ces

from

labo

r cam

ps.

Ora

l War

ning

s 1.

Bef

ore

each

app

licat

ion,

tell

wor

kers

who

are

on

the

esta

blis

hmen

t (in

a m

anne

r the

y ca

n un

ders

tand

):

�lo

catio

n an

d de

scri

ptio

n of

trea

ted

area

, �

RE

I, a

nd n

ot to

ent

er d

urin

g R

EI.

2. W

orke

rs w

ho e

nter

the

esta

blis

hmen

t aft

er a

pplic

atio

n st

arts

m

ust r

ecei

ve th

e sa

me

war

ning

at t

he s

tart

of t

heir

wor

k pe

riod

.

AD

DIT

ION

AL

DU

TIES

FO

R H

AN

DLE

R EM

PLO

YERS

Ap

plic

atio

n Re

stri

ctio

ns a

nd M

onit

orin

g 1.

Do

not a

llow

han

dler

s to

app

ly a

pes

ticid

e so

that

it

cont

acts

, dir

ectly

or t

hrou

gh d

rift

, any

one

othe

r tha

n tr

aine

d an

d PP

E-e

quip

ped

hand

lers

.

2. M

ake

sigh

t or v

oice

con

tact

at l

east

eve

ry 2

hou

rs w

ith

anyo

ne h

andl

ing

pest

icid

es la

bele

d w

ith a

sku

ll an

d cr

ossb

ones

.

3. M

ake

sure

a tr

aine

d ha

ndle

r equ

ippe

d w

ith la

belin

g-sp

ecif

ied

PPE

mai

ntai

ns c

onst

ant v

oice

or v

isua

l con

tact

with

an

y ha

ndle

r in

a gr

eenh

ouse

who

is d

oing

fum

igan

t-re

late

d ta

sks,

suc

h as

app

licat

ion

or a

ir-l

evel

mon

itori

ng.

Spec

ific

Inst

ruct

ions

for

Han

dler

s 1.

Bef

ore

hand

lers

do

any

hand

ling

task

, inf

orm

them

, in

a m

anne

r the

y ca

n un

ders

tand

, of a

ll pe

stic

ide

labe

ling

inst

ruct

ions

for s

afe

use.

1106 36.3-1

PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT Part III: Pesticide Poisoning, First Aid and Spills Bert T. Swanson, Dean Herzfeld and Rochelle Hamp The pesticide label is a primary source of information about health and safety issues related to the use of a pesticide. Read and understand the Precautionary Statement section of the label before each application! The label will identify: 1. Health hazards associated with the use of the

product. 2. Types of exposure such as breathing, ingestion,

skin or eye. 3. Specific action required to prevent exposure

including protective clothing required by law. 4. Safe handling procedures. 5. First aid. 6. Exposure conditions that would require emergency

medical treatment. Refer to Part I of this Chapter for additional information on Pesticide Classification, Formulation, Regulation and the Label. To protect the applicator from potentially serious hazards, federal law requires the use of protective clothing and equipment. However, common sense suggests that protective clothing will help minimize the risk with any pesticide application. Since most pesticides are readily absorbed through the skin, at a minimum, wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes and socks whenever working with pesticides. Wear pesticide resistant gloves whenever mixing concentrates and when the label identifies skin absorption as a hazard. If the label identifies eye contact as a hazard, goggles or a face shield should be worn. Oral toxicity varies from highly toxic to basically non-toxic. However, the effects of minor exposures to organophosphates can be accumulative and can lead to the development of hypersensitivity in some individuals. It is advisable to minimize all exposure to organophosphates and carbamates. Signs and Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms of pesticide poisoning result from two types

of exposure: 1. Acute poisoning occurs within a short period of

time such as a large spill on the body in a single incident.

2. Chronic poisoning occurs from minute exposures

over a long period of time. Some pesticide poisoning symptoms are product specific. These must be recognized in greater detail for proper diagnosis. The most frequent and generally observed pesticide poisoning symptoms are described below.

Acute Exposure – Acute pesticide poisoning often mimics other health problems such as heat stress or the flu. Symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning develop during exposure or within four to 12 hours of the exposure. Three levels acute of pesticide poisoning symptoms are as follows: 1. Mild: Headache, nausea, dizziness, anxiety,

fatigue, perspiration, restlessness, weakness, thirst, soreness of joints and irritation of body parts.

2. Moderate: Muscle twitching, weakness, tremor

slack of coordination, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, salivation, tearing, blurred vision, tightness in chest, wheezing, productive cough and discoloration of skin.

3. Severe: Fever, intense thirst, rapid breathing,

vomiting, uncontrolled muscle twitches, pin point pupils, convulsions, coma, pulmonary edema, shock and respiratory arrest.

Chronic Exposure – Symptoms of chronic exposure are difficult to distinguish from other general health problems. However, they may be manifested by a persistent loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss and a general feeling of sickness. Even minor exposures to pesticides, can cause health problems, so exercise care when using any pesticide, even those with low toxicity. Skin Irritations – Skin irritations and allergic contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction of the skin, are the most common types of pesticide poisonings. While they are usually not life threatening, steps

1106 36.3-2

should be taken to minimize skin exposure. Reading the label will help identify pesticides that are potentially hazardous through dermal exposure. Chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause skin irritations, but most of these products are being removed from the market. A partial list of such chemicals is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Examples of pesticides that can cause allergic contact dermatitis and/or skin irritations. Botanicals: Nicotine, Pyrethrum, Rotenone. Bionaturals: Bacillus thuringiensis. Fumigants: Ethylene oxide, Metam-Sodium, Methyl Bromide. Fungicides: Benomyl, Captafol, Captan, Chlorothalonil, Mancozeb, Maneb, Thiophanate-methyl, Thiram, Zineb. Herbicides: 2,4-D, Alachlor, Amitrol, Atrazine, Chloridazon, Dazomet, Glycophosphate, Gramoxone. Inorganics: Copper Sulfate, Sulfur. Miticides: Dienochlor, Propargite. Nitro compounds: Pentachlorophenol. Organophosphates: DDVP (dichlorvos), Malathion,

Naled, Parathion. Solvents: Kerosene. Sensitivity and Hypersensitivity One of the areas of potential pesticide hazards not clearly understood is the development of sensitivity or hypersensitivity. Repeated minor exposures to many kinds of products, including pesticides, may sensitize some people to react adversely to a family of chemicals. Common examples of sensitivity include people that have allergic reactions to particular foods, cosmetics or cleaning substances. In some instances, the situation may severely impact one's quality of life or even become life threatening.

Hypersensitivity to pesticides occurs most commonly from organophosphates, carbamates, fungicides and botanicals. Since hypersensitivity can develop from repeated minor exposures, applicators should minimize all exposure to these products. This should include the routine wearing of chemical resistant gloves and other protective clothing, even when not required by law, plus proper clean-up and showering following each application. Action Required for Pesticide Poisoning It is not always easy to determine if an illness is due to pesticide poisoning. Some illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, asthma, or food poisoning, may have the same symptoms as pesticide poisoning. But when someone who handles pesticides becomes ill, be aware that pesticide poisoning could be the cause. Contact the Poison Control Center for symptoms known to occur from pesticide poisoning. The Poison Control Center has one national telephone number to call for assistance. This number is 800-222-1222. Calls will be transferred to the local responder or local Poison Control Center. If someone has swallowed or inhaled a pesticide, or if a pesticide was splashed into the eye or spilled on the skin, call 911 if the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or is having convulsions. In non-immediate emergency situations, check the label for directions on how to give first aid. Call the Poison Control Center for help with first aid information. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) (1-800-858-7378) also can provide information about pesticide products and their toxicity. EPA’s publication Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisoning provides information about symptoms caused by poisoning with specific pesticides and treatment information. Emergency First Aid treatment depends on the type of exposure. In all cases, stop exposure to the pesticide and insure that respiration of the victim is maintained; give artificial respiration if needed. However, do not let the pesticide get on a non-victim, or they, too, could become a victim. General First Aid Guidelines for each type of pesticide exposure is provided below:

1106 36.3-3

Pesticide Swallowed – Induce vomiting ONLY if instructions to do so are provided by emergency response personnel over the phone. It will depend on what the victim has swallowed as some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause more damage if the victim is made to vomit. Always keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand to use to induce vomiting if recommended by emergency personnel. Never induce vomiting if the victim is unconscious or in convulsions, as choking can occur. Never induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed a corrosive poison such as a strong acid or alkali. A corrosive poison causes severe mouth and throat burns and severe pain. It will burn as severely coming up as it did going down. Never induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed concentrated petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, lighter fluid, or an Emulsifiable concentrate. Many liquid pesticides contain petroleum. Pesticide in Eye – Eye membranes absorb pesticides faster than any other external part of the body; eye damage can occur in a few minutes with some types of pesticides. If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 20 minutes. If possible, have someone else contact the Poison Control Center while the victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash water. Pesticide Poison on Skin – If pesticide splashes on the skin, immediately use water to wash off the poison. If no fresh running water is available, use any source of fairly clean water from irrigation canals, lakes, ponds, or watering troughs. Do not waste time trying to find absolutely clean water. The faster the pesticide is washed off the skin, the less injury will occur. Drench the skin and clothing with water from a shower, hose, faucet or pond. Remove contaminated clothing; cut it off if necessary. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Detergents and commercial cleansers are better than soap. Dry and wrap the victim in a blanket. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry. Pesticide Inhaled – Pesticides in the form of dusts, vapors, or gases can be breathed in and cause damage to the lungs. If the victim is in an enclosed space such as a room or a building, do not go in the area without an air-supplied respirator. If such a respirator is not available, call the Fire Department and wait for emergency equipment before entering the area. Carry the victim to fresh air immediately. Do not let the

victim walk. Loosen all tight clothing. Give artificial respiration if the victim is blue or has stopped breathing or if breathing is irregular. Keep the victim as quiet as possible. If the victim has convulsions, watch breathing and protect from falling and striking his/her head. Keep the chin up so air passage will remain free for breathing. Wrap the victim in a blanket to prevent chills, but do not allow overheating. Do not give alcohol in any form. Open all doors and windows in the contaminated space to prevent additional poisoning. Treat for Shock – Poisoning victims often go into shock. Victims can die from shock even if the poisoning itself is not fatal. Symptoms of shock include: 1. Skin is pale, moist, cold, and clammy. 2. Eyes are vacant, with dilated pupils. 3. Breathing is shallow and irregular. 4. Pulse is very weak, rapid, and irregular. 5. Victim is unconscious or near fainting. While waiting for medical help, keep the victim flat on back with legs elevated 18 inches above the head. However, if the victim is vomiting, lay the victim on his/her side. Keep the victim warm enough to prevent shivering, but do not overheat. Keep the victim quiet and calm. Never try to give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

During the early treatment process, keep victim quiet and provide words of encouragement. As soon as the poison is off the victim, call for medical assistance. If it is a life-threatening situation wherein the victim is unconscious, having a seizure, or is short of breath, call 911. If there is no 911 service in the area, call for an ambulance.

In all cases of pesticide exposure, even if it does not appear to be a poisoning emergency, call the Poison Control Center. Have the pesticide label available, and if possible, be prepared to give the Poison Control Center the following information: 1. Name of the pesticide. 2. How much pesticide was spilled on the victim, was

inhaled by the victim, or swallowed by the victim. 3. Time since the poisoning occurred. 4. Symptoms displayed by the victim. 5. Save the pesticide and the label for the doctor.

1106 36.3-4

If additional assistance is not available, do not leave to make the phone call until it is certain that the victim is breathing and will not be further exposed to the poison. Pesticide and Chemical Spills Depending on the product, pesticide and chemical spills must be reported to State or Federal Authorities. The National Response Center can assist in determining when and how to respond to a spill. They can be reached at 1-800-424-8802. In addition, CHEMTREC maintains a large database of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), chemical information references resources, and networks of chemical and hazardous material experts. CHEMTREC provides access to technical information regarding chemical products as well as telephone access to product specialists, chemists, or other experts. CHEMTREC can be reached at 1-800-424-9300 in the U.S. or 703-527-3887 outside the U.S. For small pesticide spills or for more information, call the pesticide manufacturer or the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. The National Response Center (NRC) is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills. To report a spill, contact NRC at 1-800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675. If the proper precautions are taken when working with pesticides, most pesticide poisoning problems can be avoided. Always read and follow the directions on the pesticide label. In the event that a poisoning does occur, or if some other medical emergency should arise, having key employees trained in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is beneficial in dealing with such emergencies and may help save a life. Refer to the Chapter on Occupational Health and Safety for more information on all aspects of emergency medical assistance.