Safety
27
Reducing the risk of exposure through the skin is
possible through the careful selection, use and care
of protective clothing and safety equipment.
Protective clothing and equipment can provide a
barrier that reduces contact between the skin and
pesticides. See the section on
Protective Clothing and
Equipment
for recommended wear. To help reduce
pesticide build-up, clothing should be washed daily
using recommended procedures; see
Cleaning of
Clothes and Equipment
section.
How skin is exposed to pesticides:
•
Direct handling of pesticides – this includes any
activity where the pesticide could come into direct
contact with the skin, from spills and splashes
during mixing and handling of the concentrated
pesticide, during equipment adjustment and from
spray drift during application. The greatest risk
occurs when the chemical concentrate is being
handled; extra protection should be used at that
time. The use of a waterproof apron is highly
recommended when handling all pesticide
concentrates, regardless of toxicity.
•
Transfer from contaminated clothing or equipment
–
clothing worn during pesticide use should be
restricted to that use only, thereby eliminating the
possibility of continued dermal exposure due to
pesticide residues remaining in the clothing. Some
types of concentrated pesticides are not removed
after multiple washings. Clothing contaminated by
accidental spills of concentrated pesticide should be
discarded rather than laundered. Avoid entering the
house wearing contaminated clothing and equipment.
Pesticides may be transferred from boots to floors and
carpets where children and pets may be exposed.
•
Transfer to other clothing during washing – always
store and wash pesticide-contaminated clothing
separately from the rest of the family wash as
pesticides can be transferred to other clothing
during the laundering process.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
Even pesticides not absorbed by the skin may still
cause skin problems such as redness, blisters or dry
scaliness, which may lead to serious skin eczema and
dermatitis. Good personal hygiene is important to
help minimize pesticide absorption through the skin.
Shower, shampoo your hair and put on clean clothing
immediately after you finish using pesticides for the
day or after an accidental spill. Cuts and scrapes
should be cleaned and bandages changed after
handling pesticide to avoid possible dermal
absorption from contaminated bandages.
Eyes
Eyes are very sensitive to pesticides and can be exposed
to vapour or fumes, dust, spray drift, or accidental spills
and splashes when containers of liquid concentrates
are being opened or when the concentrated chemical
is being poured into the sprayer tank. Do not wear
contact lenses when mixing or applying pesticides.
Ears
Sprays and spills may contaminate the head and
ear canal.
Nose
Pesticides can enter the body through breathing in
fumes, dusts or spray mists. Fumes and extremely fine
particles of dust or spray can be completely absorbed
by the lungs. To minimize exposure, respirators
always should be worn when opening and mixing all
concentrated pesticides. Read the pesticide label and
follow the precautions outlined. A respirator may be
required when applying pesticides.
Mouth
Pesticides can enter the body through the mouth
when users eat, lick their lips or smoke when hands
are contaminated. Face and hands should be washed
thoroughly prior to eating or smoking. Children may
be poisoned if they drink pesticides stored in pop
bottles. All pesticides must be stored in their original
containers and should be placed in a locked area out
of reach of children.