Half of all pesticide-related deaths each year in the United States involve children under age 10. Many of these accidents, as well as incidents of groundwater contamination, involve improper pesticide storage or disposal.
The proper storage and safe use of pesticides is important to your health and the health of others. If you don't already store pesticides in separate locations in your operation, set aside special areas as soon as possible.
Keep these things in mind when selecting a pesticide storage area:
Keep the area locked at all times. Make sure the area is inaccessible to children, animals or pets. Post weather-proof warning signs over every door and window in the area.
Keep the area dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Some pesticides require protection against freezing or extreme heat (check the label for warnings).
Do not keep food, feed, fertilizers, seed, veterinary supplies, or other stored products in the same area. To prevent accidental use of the wrong chemical, store herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides in separate locations.
A supply of detergent, or soap and water is essential in the storage area. Water is a quick first-aid in a poisoning emergency.
For more information, see a new Extension publication, Dispose of Pesticides Properly, Pm-1265e, at the County Extension office.
This news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension as part of the Safe Farm program. Safe Farm promotes health and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University, and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their families. Distribution date: May 1992.
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
