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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Pesticide Safety |
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Pesticide safety includes three main areas: choosing the correct pesticide for the job, applying the pesticide in a safe manner, and properly disposing of the empty container and the remaining pesticide. First, you must decide which pesticide to use. Effectiveness, cost, and environmental impacts should be considered when selecting a pesticide. However, assessing environmental impacts is difficult because of the many considerations involved. Pesticides have potential effects on the applicator, groundwater, fish, birds, bees, beneficial insects, as well as other non-target organisms. Researchers at Cornell University have attempted to assess the environmental impact of individual pesticides by calculating an Environmental Impact Quotient that takes these factors into consideration. The Endangered Species Act protects endangered or threatened species. If you are aware that an endangered or threatened species, or its critical habitat, exists in an area where you plan to use a pesticide, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be contacted for further information before any action can be taken. The Chemicals-Pesticides Program at Cornell University maintains an up-to-date catalogue of Federally-listed endangered and threatened species and their county distributions in New York State. Second, applying the pesticide as intended is critical. All pesticides are regulated by state and federal laws to protect the user and consumer. These laws make it illegal to use a pesticide "in a manner inconsistent with its labeling". So, read all pesticide labels and follow the instructions carefully. Most pesticides are poisonous to man and animals, but when properly used, they are not harmful. Handle them with care. Store them in closed, plainly labeled original containers, out of the reach of children and animals, and where liquid materials will not freeze. Keep pesticides in locked storage facilities and not in your living area such as your basement in case a home fire occurs which will result in toxic smoke to fire fighters and yourself. When handling, do not allow pesticides to come in contact with your skin. To avoid accidental injury to non-target species and to avoid inhaling the pesticide yourself, do not apply pesticides on windy days. Due to the potential fire hazard, do not smoke while handling pesticides. After handling pesticides, always wash your hands and face before eating or smoking. Third, carefully dispose of the pesticide and the container. Attempt to mix only the pesticide you will actually need. If you've mixed more pesticide than you need, spray the excess on plants listed on the label. Do not pour pesticides down drains or in roadside gutters. To dispose of empty or partially filled containers, first check to see if any household hazardous waste collection is available in your area and determine if pesticides are accepted. If no collection is available, wrap the container in several layers of newspaper, tie it securely, and send it to your local landfill. If the pesticide container is empty, rinse it out with water and use the rinse water in your spray. Never reuse any chemical container - an unforeseen chemical reaction could occur. Do not recycle pesticide containers. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
