SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES BY J.CHIPOMHO
WHAT IS AN AGROCHEMICAL? ď‚— Synthetic chemical (not naturally occurring)
used in agricultural production.
CHEMICALS WHICH ARE USED IN CROP PRODUCTION? ď‚— Agrochemicals can be grouped according to
their functions: Insecticides Herbicides Fungicides Nematicides Plant growth regulators
DANGERS IN AGROCHEMICAL USE: WHO IS AT RISK To Environment/Fish
Animal/ Victims Primary / Secondary
Users
PESTICIDE POISONING How pesticide poisoning takes place Pesticides enter the body through Eyes contact Inhalation Ingestion Skin Contact
PESTICIDE POISONING Types 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 POISONING Types of poisoning 2. Sub-chronic poisoning ď‚— Caused by repeated intake of fairly
large amounts of pesticide
PESTICIDE POISONING Types of poisoning 3. Chronic poisoning ď‚— Due to repeated intake of small amounts of
chemical over a long period of time
CHOICE OF PESTICIDES Anyone 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 PESTICIDES BEFORE USE – READ THE LABEL
Identify the name of the pesticide Identify the formulation of the pesticide Identify the strength of the formulation Identify the coloured triangle Check the applicability to the pest problem Identify the application rate (dosage) Identify the application method Check for compatibility Identify safety precautions to be followed Identify first aid treatment
HANDLING PESTICIDES WARNING SIGNS
PURPLE TRIANGLE: Very dangerous poison RED TRIANGLE: Dangerous poison AMBER TRIANGLE: Poison GREEN TRIANGLE: Harmful if swallowed
MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDES This 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 liquid Some are solids Some are ready to use Some need to be diluted, usually with water
MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDES PREPARING TO MIX A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
Read the product label Select best mixing method Use the correct equipment Select a safe mixing place Measure accurately Clean up utensils Correct disposal of empty containers
APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY Dos and Don'ts:- of Pesticide use 1. Do not spray against wind 2. Read and follow label instructions 3. 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
sprayed 9. 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 Use 1. Personal hygiene 2. Cleaning of equipment 3. Disposing of wastes 4. Re-entering treated crops 5. 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 boots 2. Spraying suit must be kept only for this purpose 3. 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 ď‚— Always store pesticides in their original
containers ď‚— 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
2. 3. 4. 5.
contaminated skin and hair Pesticides splashed or dusted into the eyes must be washed immediately. Never give alcohol or milk when poisoning is suspected Keep victim calm and comfortable recovery position After recovery, victims should not handle pesticides for several weeks