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March 25, 2004 Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (224KB wav file) Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (215KB wav file) Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (303KB wav file)
For this crop year many producers have already decided what crops they will grow, crop varieties, number of acres, fertilizers and the pesticides they will need. “But they probably haven’t considered what protective equipment they will need for their pesticide applications,” according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. “Now is a great time to read pesticide labels, especially the precautionary statement. It discusses the hazards to humans and domestic animals, first aid recommendations, environmental hazards, and physical and chemical hazards. Required protective equipment is discussed in the section on hazards to humans and domestic animals.” Pesticide applicators should have protective equipment such as chemical goggles, gloves, apron or full-body coveralls, respirators, ear protection, hat and boots. The equipment needed will vary according to the protective needs listed in the hazards to humans and domestic animals. Read it carefully to determine what you will need. The cartridges on a respirator have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. Applicators should start the season with fresh cartridges or canisters. Replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure the respirator continues to provide protection. “Eye protection is very important when working with agricultural chemicals,” Maher says. “There is an important difference between chemical goggles and ordinary safety goggles. Chemical goggles have a baffled airway that prevents a direct splash from getting inside the goggles while ordinary safety goggles do not.” The main trunk of the body should be protected as well. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that pesticide-type chemicals can be absorbed into the body up to 11 times faster when splashed in the groin area than on the lower arm. A protective apron will provide protection, but a complete coverall offers the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes. The scalp and forehead also have a high rate of pesticide absorption. A protective hat should always be worn when working with pesticides. A plastic bump cap offers good protection because it is waterproof and also protects you from bumps with machinery. Cloth and plastic mesh caps will absorb pesticides and should be avoided. Pesticide residue cannot be completely washed out. Even the ear canal has a very high rate of pesticide absorption; approximately four times that of the forearm. Earplugs are a good idea if concentrated pesticides are handled at or above shoulder height. Gloves for handling pesticides should be unlined, full-length rubber or plastic with the cuff turned back to prevent drips and runs up the arm. Gloves need to be unlined because pesticide residues can be trapped in a cloth lining which is difficult to wash out. Rubber overshoes should be worn when working with pesticides. Leather or cloth shoes and boots will absorb pesticides and are difficult or impossible to decontaminate. Chemicals soaked into leather footwear can result in dangerous, long-term chemical exposure. Unlined rubber boots with non-slip soles offer the best protection because they can be cleaned inside and out. “All pesticide protective clothing should be used only for pesticide protection,” Maher says. “Rain suits and other protective gear should never be used for general rain protection or other uses. Protective equipment should be cleaned after every use, with a thorough soap and water washing and lots of rinsing.” Personal clothing should be changed at least daily when working with pesticides. Pesticide-exposed clothing should not be worn in the house. Take along spare clothing in case a spill happens and a change of clothes becomes necessary. “Protect yourself against pesticide exposure,” Maher says. “There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of working with pesticides, so manage your exposure and control your risk.” ### Source:
George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
