Pesticide Poisoning

Posted by Ena Clewes
May 12th, 2011
Filed in Garden Pests and Diseases
Tags: garden, herbicides, pesticides, poison

Dandelions in the lawn, bugs in the garden, a little spray here, a little spray there, weeds and bugs disappear, no problem.

THINK AGAIN!!

Pesticide poisoning occurs when chemicals enter the blood stream. Not all poison symptoms occur right away. Most chemicals have cumulative effects. Your liver, lungs, bone marrow, kidneys, nervous system and
skin may all be affected with pesticides.

Pesticides enter the bloodstream through absorption, inhalation or ingestion. Absorption through the skin and eyes are the most common. To help to avoid pesticide poisoning, using protective clothing is the answer.

For example, wear a wide brimmed hard hat, no fabric bands. Fabric absorbs chemicals, and so the head is re-exposed each time the hat is worn.

Long sleeved shirt and full length pants. fit snugly at collar and wrists, made of 100% cotton or cotton blend.

Water proof apron when mixing and pouring, it protects the highly sensitive groin area.

Neoprene or unlined gloves to prevent liquids from running down the arm.

Neoprene overboots or tall rubber boots, pant legs outside boots.

Nose and mouth cover with mask.

DO NOT WEAR –

• fabric caps
• cloth or leather gloves
• leather belt
• leather shoes or sneakers
• conctact lenses
• leather watch band

These articles absorb pesticide chemicals and cannot be cleaned without leaving substantial residue. They prolong exposure to the wearer.

Wearing proper protective clothing leaves minimal skin exposed to pesticide chemicals. Reduced exposure means reduced health risks and good protection is good insurance.

Be Wise! Be Safe! Be Protected!

{This article was originally published on the site in 2008}