Tag Archives: pesticide

FARM SAFETY MONTH

September 8, 2009 Doug

September is Farm Safety Month, so what better time than to review just one of the things that our farmers and ranchers have to worry about: pests! In their fight against pests, they must use pesticides, running the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals.

Pesticides help our agriculture industry through the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Integrated Pest Management system. In agricultural settings, their approach is to:
(1)   Use bio-pesticides, which are less risky.
(2)   Decide when the pest is an economic threat.
(3)   Determine what type of pesticide is needed.
(4)   Try rotating crops.
(5)   Use broadcast spraying of a non-specific pesticide as a last resort.

New EPA safety requirements are meant to protect agricultural workers against pesticides used in crop fields. Since soil fumigants are restricted-use pesticides, only specially trained personnel can apply and oversee these types of operations, which involves injecting pesticides into the soil to create a gas that kills several types of soil-borne pests in the fields. This type of pesticide can cause health problems ranging from eye or respiratory irritation to more severe and irreversible effects.

All workers on farms need to use caution when applying pesticides:

Read labels on pesticide containers.

Handle pesticides in well-ventilated areas, and on calm days.

Never store pesticides in food or drink containers.

Don’t mix pesticides or drain sprayer near pond, stream, or well.

Obey restrictions at entries and watch for warning signs.

Wear appropriate PPE, i.e., goggles/wrap-around safety glasses, gloves, respirators, etc.

Pest control is just one of the many problems that our agriculture industry copes with as they produce the nation’s food. Keeping farm workers safe from the effects of pesticides is foremost.

USDA
EPA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DO YOU HAVE A PEST PROBLEM?

August 19, 2009 Doug 1 Comment

Warm weather is sure to bring some friendly or not-so-friendly critters into our homes, schools, farms, and workplace. Pests include cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, mice, rats, termites; outdoor pests are weeds, worms, aphids, and grubs, just to name a few.

Prevention is the main key to solving the problem of an insect invasion, so don’t let them get started! To keep the creepy, crawly pests out of the house, store food in sealed containers, remove garbage regularly, don’t leave your pet food or water out, and keep your home free of clutter. Roaches love to hide under papers, and in boxes. Check boxes before bringing them into your house, to be sure you aren’t moving in an “uninvited family”. They can also invade your luggage when you are on vacation, so check it well when you return.

Regular use of pesticides in homes, workplaces and schools helps keep pests away. Professional services provide the proper amount of pesticides to be used in order to reduce risk to humans and pets. Baits and traps can be used to eliminate rodents. Fogging should not be done unless absolutely necessary. Whether you are using some type of pesticide in your home, garden, farm, or workplace, be sure to know what you are dealing with and the proper use and disposal of leftover products. Use extra caution to not expose children or pet areas to the repellent you are using.

Use respiratory protection when necessary. Many insects are our friends, and are just doing their jobs pollinating plants, etc. But for the ones we don’t relish having around, there are ways to let them know they aren’t welcome. Just be familiar with the types of sprays and powders you choose.

Source: EPA

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DOWN ON THE FARM – PESTICIDES

July 16, 2009 Doug

As we drive down the highway, going through beautiful farmland, most of us don’t have a clue as to what goes on behind the scenes to create such a picture, and produce a successful crop. Pests are a huge concern to farmers, and we want to share some information on the subject of pest control.

Pesticides help our agriculture industry through the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Integrated Pest Management system. In agricultural settings, their approach is that less risky pest controls are used first (biopesticides). The second stage is determining the level at which the pest is an economic threat to the crop. Next, to monitor and identify when and what type of pesticide is needed. Rotating different crops, pest-resistant varieties, or pest-free rootstock can be a more economical way to deter damage from pests and provide little or no risk to humans and the environment. Broadcast spraying of a non-specific pesticide is a last resort.

New EPA safety requirements are meant to protect agricultural workers against pesticides used in crop fields. Soil fumigants are pesticides that go into the soil and create a gas that kills several types of soil-borne pests in the fields. This type of pesticide can cause health problems ranging from eye or respiratory irritation to more severe and irreversible effects.
Since these are restricted-use pesticides, only specially trained personnel can apply and oversee these types of operations.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible use of soil, air and water resources for the production of food, feed and fiber must be balanced with the need to minimize impacts on human health, and preserve natural ecosystems. As agrochemicals remain a cornerstone of pest management in U.S. agriculture, there is a continuing need to evaluate environmental transport processes and factors in assessing risk and in the development of mitigation strategies. Research is needed for an understanding of fate and effects. Such efforts will permit better science-based decisions as a basis for policy regarding the use of agrochemicals in U. S. agriculture. Farmers need a variety of sustainable production options since no production system will be appropriate for every set of circumstances. The use of agrochemicals must be evaluated due to the ecological risks associated with them.