Pesticide Precautions

Pesticide toxicity:

• Results from simple skin contact.
• Results from inhaled fumes.
• Toxic symptoms feel like the flu but the effects can be lethal.
• See medical attention if you feel sick after pesticide application, but don’t drive!

When applying pesticides:

• Wear rubber gloves, respirator masks, goggles & aprons
• Cover all skin surfaces with repellent clothing
• Wash hands with soap before eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum (even if gloves were worn!)

If you are exposed:

• Remove contaminated clothes wearing gloves.
• Put them in a sealed clothing bag to launder separately.
• Drench yourself with water, lather with soap & rinse.

About laundering contaminated clothes:

• As pesticide toxicity increases, residues take stronger holds.
• Laundry effectiveness decreases as toxicity increases.
• Where gloves when laundering contaminated clothes.
• Throw clothes spotted with highly toxic residue.

Poison control:

• Keep activated charcoal, syrup of ipecac and evaporated milk on hand for ingestion emergencies.
• Consult H.C.M.C. at 1(800)764-7661 before giving anything to the child in distress