Safe use of pesticides

1. Safe use of pesticides

2. What are Pesticides? Pesticide is a chemical use to prevent, destroy or repel pests. Pests can be Insects, Mice, Weeds, Fungi or Microorganisms such as Bacteria and Viruses Pesticides are divided into several groups based on the Organisms they are designed to control. • Insecticides- Chemicals used to protect man, animals, and plants from insect annoyances, damage, and destruction. • Fungicides- Chemicals used to protect man, animals, and plants from fungal organisms that cause diseases. • Herbicides - Chemicals used to control unwanted vegetation, either selectively or generally. • Rodenticides- Chemicals to control rats, mice, and other rodent pests. • Miticides or Acaracides - Chemicals used to control mites and ticks.

3. Safe use of pesticide • Pesticides are toxic to both pests and humans. However, they need not be hazardous to humans and non-target animal species if suitable precautions are taken. • Most pesticides will cause adverse effects if intentionally or accidentally ingested or if they are in contact with the skin for a long time. • Pesticide particles may be inhaled with the air while they are being sprayed. • An additional risk is the contamination of drinking-water, food or soil. • Special precautions must be taken during transport, storage and handling. • People who work with pesticides should receive proper training in their safe use.

4. Why safe use of pesticide? • Acute pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. • In several agricultural districts, it precedes all other causes of death in government hospitals. • Most of the acute poisoning cases are intentional (suicide) and occur among young adults, mainly males. • Poisoning due to occupational exposure is also common, but less well documented. • In an irrigation area in Sri Lanka a very high incidence of serious pesticide poisoning was observed, with 68% due to intentional ingestion of liquid pesticides. • It is argued that the easy availability and widespread use of highly hazardous pesticides is the most important reason for this high number of poisoning cases.

5. HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS FOR PESTICIDE POISONING, SRI LANKA, 1984-1988

6. Safe use of pesticides • Before use • Transportation • Storage • Mixing • Application • Disposal

7. Before using a pesticide • Check the label. • To be sure the pest you need to control is in the listed on the table. • To see if any special protective clothes or equipment is needed.

9. The label • Pesticides should be packed and labeled according to WHO specifications. • The label should be in English and in the local language • should indicate the contents, safety instructions (warnings) and possible measures in the event. • Take safety measures and wear protective clothing as recommended.

10. Check the label

12. Labels on pesticide containers give valuable information. Symbols indicate the danger and the need to use protective clothing when handling the chemical.

17. Storage • Store pesticides in a place that can be locked and is not accessible to unauthorized people or children. • They should never be kept in a place where they might be mistaken for food or drink. • Keep them dry but away from fires and out of direct sunlight. • Never store pesticides with or near food, animal feed, medicines, or cleaning supplies. • Store pesticides in their original containers.

18. If you use pesticides you are also responsible for other people.Store pesticides in a safe place behind lock and key.

20. Types of pesticide container

21. Keep pesticides out of reach of children

22. Safe techniques Spraying • The discharge from the sprayer should be directed away from the body. • Leaking equipment should be repaired and the skin should be washed after any accidental contamination. • Persons and domestic animals must not remain indoors during spraying.

23. General hygiene • Do not eat, drink or smoke while using insecticides. Keep food in tightly closed boxes. • Use suitable equipment for measuring out, mixing and transfer insecticides. • Do not stir liquids or scoop pesticide with bare hands. • Use the pressure-release valve of the pump or a soft probe to clear blockages in the nozzle. • Wash the hands and face with soap and water each time the pump has been refilled. • Eat and drink only after washing the hands and face . • Take a shower or bath at the end of the day.

24. Every pesticide application poses a risk to the environment.

25. Clean blocked nozzles with a soft probe

26. Protective clothing Spraying • Spray workers should wear overalls or shirts with long sleeves and trousers, abroad brimmed hat, a turban or other headgear and sturdy shoes or boots. • Sandals are unsuitable. • The mouth and nose should be covered with a simple device such as a disposable paper mask, a surgical-type disposable or washable mask, or any clean piece of cotton. • The clothing should be of cotton for ease of washing and drying It should cover the body without leaving any openings. • In hot and humid climates the wearing of additional protective clothing may be uncomfortable, and pesticides should there fore be applied during the cooler hours of the day.

27. Protective equipment for the eyes and face

29. Wash the hands and face before eating or drinking

31. Mixing • People who mix and pack insecticides in bags must take special precautions. • In addition to the protective clothing, it is recommended that gloves, an apron and eye protection such as a face shield or goggles be worn Face shields provide protection for the whole face and are cooler to wear. • The mouth and nose should be covered. • Care should be taken not to touch any part of the body with gloves while handling pesticides.

32. Mixing

33. Wear gloves when handling concentrates.

34. Use suitable equipment for measuring out and mixing insecticides

35. Disposal • Left-over insecticide suspension can be disposed of safely by pouring it into a specially dug hole in the ground or a pit latrine. It should not be disposed of where it may enter water used for drinking or washing, fish ponds or rivers. • Dig a hole at least 100 meters away from streams, wells and houses. Pour run-off water from hand washings and spray washings into the hole, and bury containers, boxes and bottles used for pesticides in it. • Close the hole as soon as possible. • Cardboard, paper and cleaned plastic containers can be burned where this is permitted, far away from houses and sources of drinking-water.

37. Clean paper and cardboard and cleaned plastic containers (not PVC)

38. Surplus insecticide solution can be disposed of safely by pouring it into a pit latrine or a specially dug hole in the ground.

39. Packages to be buried must be made unusable and reduced in bulk as much as possible

43. A farmer who grows his crop without pesticides avoids all risks. His children can grow up in a healthy environment.

44. GROUP MEMBERS • A.H.M.S.B Aberathne AG/2007/2008/01 • A.W.Ariyarathne AG/2007/2008/05 • B.M.I.S.L Bandara AG/2007/2008/10

45. References: • http://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/socmed/v46yi4-5p495-504.html • Jayaratnam , ET AL Survey of pesticide poisoning in SL.Bulletin of the world Health organization 60/41.616.619/1982 • http://www.croplifeafrica.org/ • http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/safe_use.asp

46. THANK YOU