The Safe and Effective Use of Chemical Pesticides

“Rather to be Safe than Sorry”

Introduction

Selection, Use, and handling of pesticides is a complex topic

Hundreds of chemicals are registered and many have several uses

Some Pesticides are more toxic than others

Introduction

Regulations establish the format for labels and what information they must contain. Labels are legal documents

Proper use will avoid harm to yourself and the environment

Safety is the Key!!

Safe and Effective Use

A pesticide is a substance or mixture intended for preventing, destroying, & repelling any form of life declared to be a pest

Toxicity is the capacity of a chemical to cause injuryPesticides must be toxic in order to kill pests

Safe and Effective Use

The way of determining the relative acute toxicity of a pesticide is by determining the amount (Lethal dose) that will kill 50% of a test population of animals

LD 50 is expressed as the milligrams (mg) of pesticide per (kg) of body weight of test animals (mg/kg)

Safe and Effective Use

Special care must be taken when handling all pesticides

Routes of entry into the body include the mouth, skin, eyes, and lungs

Pesticides are grouped into four categories by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency)

Categories of Pesticides

Category Signal Word

Amount to kill a Person

Toxicity

Danger-Poison 1 Drop to 1 Teaspoon

HIGHLY

Danger 1 Teaspoon to 1 Ounce

MEDIUM

Warning Over 1 Ounce SLIGHTLY

Caution LD 50 greater 5,000 mg/kg

SLIGHTLY

Every Pesticide must be registered with the EPA

Labels must contain Hazards, pest controlled, sites where it can be used, first aid information, rates to use, how to dilute specific application instructions protective clothing requirements, and days before harvest

Format For Label

Sample LABEL

Format For Label Continued

Label is a tool!!! Learn to use it properly

You must obtain, read, and understand all of the information on a label and referenced documents before making a pesticide application

Pesticide Side Effects

Beneficial Species may be reduced

Drift Concerns

Wildlife may be harmed accidentally

Environmental Pollution

Pesticide Selection: Things to do when choosing ONE!!

Identify the pest

Can the pesticide be legally applied to target crop or site

What are the other possible methods of control

Pest location

Toxicity of pesticide

Hazards to applicator, Drift

Pesticide Residue

Pesticide Application Requirements

The EPA requires that each state have a certification and licensing procedure and program for persons using restricted use pesticides

Applicators must be certified by the state Department of Agriculture

Must pass these tests to make recommendations to others

Pesticide Application Requirements

Many states require continual education

Department of Ag has information to study that can help with the exams and licenses

ANY QUESTIONS???