Pesticide management in the home (In case you need to use these chemicals)

Pesticides are dangerous. Use them rationally and appropriately. Do not use the Dirty Dozen (Parathion, 2, 4, 5-T, Paraquat, DDT, Aldrin/Dieldrin/Endrin, Chlordimeform, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP), Chlordane/Heptachlor, HCH/Lindane, Ethylene dibromide, Camphechlor and Pentachlorophenyl (PCP).

Endosulfan (Thiodan) and Organotins (Brestan and Aquatin) were also banned from the market recently.

On selecting a pesticide

· Learn about the pesticide before use.

· Always read the label carefully and understand it before buying the pesticide.

· Do not buy pesticides in aerosol cans for they also contain CFCs.

· Do not just listen to the advise of others. Read the label.

· In case there's a need to use pesticide, use only pesticide marked with FPA approval

Select a pesticide

On transporting pesticides

· Do not buy cracked, ripped or leaky pesticide containers.

· Do not put pesticides in the bag or box where groceries or food are placed.

Transport a pesticide

Before opening the pesticide container

· Wear rubber or neoprene gloves. (Do not reuse these gloves for washing dishes.)

· Remove or cover food and dishes before spraying so they would not be contaminated.

· Clear all family and pets from areas that will be sprayed.

· Do not smoke, eat or drink anything while handling pesticides.

Before opening the pesticide container

Mixing the pesticide

· Follow the directions exactly as stated.

· Mix the pesticide outside the house in a well lighted and well-ventilated area.

· Do not use your bare hands to mix a pesticide. Use a stick.

· Never eat, drink or smoke while mixing pesticides.

· Do not mix several kinds of pesticides together.

Mixing the pesticide

Pesticide application

· Before application, re-read the label.

· Be sure members of the family and pets will not reenter until it is safe to do so. (At least two hours after the application with windows open.)

· Apply exactly as stated in the label (as aerosol, spray, poison bait etc.).

· Do not eat, drink or smoke while applying pesticides.

· Do not apply pesticides on windy or exceptionally hot days.

· Avoid exposing beneficial insects, desirable plants and animals.

· Be careful not to contaminate food.

· Clean up any spills.

Pesticide application

After pesticide application

· Clean equipment used to apply pesticides. Rinse the application equipment at least three times with clean water.

· Dispose any unwanted pesticides and empty containers properly for they will contaminate the environment and can cause seepage in the water table.

· Never reuse pesticide containers for any purpose.

· Do not burn containers or puncture aerosol cans.

· Store leftover pesticides in a dry, cool., locked and labelled cabinet out of reach of children, pets and livestock. Do not store near food, medicines, animal feed, beverages and clothings.

· Decontaminate clothings used with five percent calcium carbonate. Use alkaline soap. Wash twice and rinse well each time.

· Take a shower and wash thoroughly with lots of soap and water.

After pesticide application

In case of accidental or suicidal poisoning

· First Aid Measures

- Ensure adequate airway.

- Take off contaminated clothings.

- Wash skin with lots of soap and water.

- Do not touch the pesticide again or handle contaminated clothing.

- Induce vomiting by tickling with finger the patient's throat in case the patient is conscious.

- Place the patient into Iying position-turned towards the left, neck extended.

- If unconscious, pull chin forward to avoid tongue dropping back of throat; give artificial respiration and call for medical assistance.

Wash skin with lots of soap and water

· Be sure to know the name of the pesticides for appropriate application of antidote and general management.

The place of the patient

· If convulsion occurs, insert padded gag between the teeth to prevent the patient from biting his/her tongue.

Medical aid

Source:

Pesticides Terminologies and Classifications. Paper presented by Dr. Nelia Cortes-Maramba at the Updates on Pesticide Safety, IIRR, Silang, Cavite. 1990.

Ideas for Action:

A Technology Information Kit, November 23 - 28, 1992