443031.14 Handling Pesticides
The following precautions in handling pesticides are essential. Practice them without exception.
- Avoid skin contact with pesticides. Wear clean, prescribed personal protective equipment.
- Do not inhale or swallow mist and dust. Wear protective respiratory devices as called for on the label.
- Wash skin and clothing thoroughly after working with pesticides. Make advance arrangements with a physician for availability of antidotes in case of emergency.
- Post the telephone numbers of available physicians and the nearest poison control center.
- Keep pesticide stocks locked up and out of reach of children, animals, and unauthorized persons.
- Do not permit untrained persons to handle or apply pesticides.
- Mix only enough spray to do the job.
- Dispose of containers and unused pesticides according to the label or NYSDEC regulations.
Table 1.13.1. Pesticide toxicity categories and label signal words |
| I | II | III | IV |
Oral LD50 | Up to and including 50 mg/kg | From 50 thru 500 mg/kg | From 500 thru 5000 mg/kg | Greater than 5000 mg/kg |
Inhalation LC 50 | Up to and including 0.2 mg/liter | From 0.2 thru 2 mg/liter | From 2.0 thru 20 mg/liter | Greater than 20 mg/liter |
Dermal LD 50 | Up to and including 200 mg/kg. | From 200 thru 2000 mg/kg | From 2,000 thru 20,000 mg/kg | Greater than 20,000 mg/kg |
Eye effects | Corrosive; corneal opacity not reversible within 7 days | Corneal opacity reversible within 7 days; irritation persisting for 7 days. | No corneal opacity; irritation reversible within 7 days | No irritation |
Skin effects | Corrosive | Severe irritation at 72 hours | Moderate irritation at 72 hours | Mild or slight irritation at 72 hours. |
Label Signal Word | Danger | Warning | Caution | Caution |
Reference: www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/label-review-manual |