If you use pesticides, work in fields where pesticides have been used, or wash the clothes of someone working with or around pesticides think SAFETY FIRST. Click on the sites below to see information that may be helpful as you handle clothes that have been contaminated with pesticides.

• Laundering Pesticide Contaminated Clothing
  This article was written after collecting data that showed how effectively pesticides were washed from clothes. Researchers are continuing to seek better ways to prevent pesticide contamination of work clothes and also clean contaminated clothes more effectively.
  see similar articles from other sources

• Toxicity of Pesticides
  A pesticide is any substance used to control pests. Pests may be target insects, vegetation, fungi, etc. Most control the pests by poisoning them. Unfortunately, pesticides can be poisonous to humans as well. Some are very poisonous, or toxic, and may seriously injure or even kill humans. Others are relatively non-toxic. Pesticides can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. The most important thing to remember is that you should always use caution whenever you work with any pesticide! This module will help you understand the Toxicity of Pesticides.

• Signs and Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
  Pesticides can be toxic and it is important to recognize the symptoms

• Think Safety First
  Safety with pesticides should be a concern of everyone involved with these chemicals. For although pesticides provide real benefits, they can also be dangerous if mishandled or misused. An accidental death from pesticides is a rarity, but skin disorders and health problems are not.

• Selecting Personal Protective Equipment be safe when working with pesticides.
  Decisions on personal protective equipment (PPE) present a challenge for pesticide users on farms and in gardens, pest control businesses, and greenhouses. There are many pesticides available, with varied toxicities, formulations, and PPE requirements. The broad range of PPE available, presents a dilemma for the person responsible for selecting equipment and defining procedures that best suit a particular situation - be it employer or employee. These links explain why PPE is necessary, offer general guidance on PPE selection, and provide suggestions for care of PPE.

• The National Ag Safety Database (NASD)
  Select topics and see 100s of additional articles related to Pesticide Safety

• GEMPLER'S Catalog - click on Safety then on WPS
  This 400 page catalog contains 7 pages of supplies to help you with Worker Protection Standard Education, Training, and Compliance. You do not need everything listed but they do have just about everything that you might need to do the training well. Training must be completed and verification cards issued before workers and handlers can work in a treated field that is within 30 days of the completion of a REI (Restricted Entry Interval). Gempler's can also be reached by phone: 800-382-8473 or FAX 800-551-1128.

• 
  
  
  

• 
  
  

  
   
  
   
  
  
  

  
   
  
   
  
   
  

  RETURN to MARY - Index

  Agricultural and Environmental Safety Homepage