When working with something as toxic as pesticides, you can never be reminded enough about how dangerous they are if not used properly. That includes the risks to farmers themselves.

Andy Bauer, an Ohio State University Extension agricultural health and safety expert, said farmers can avoid injury applying farm chemicals if they follow product label guidelines and practice simple safety measures.

“We’re spraying fields now, and you have to think not only about the crops but your own health,” Bauer said. “Your own body is your most valuable tool.”

Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Although they might have used the products for years, farmers should review product labels before spraying. Label recommendations do change from time to time.

“The label will tell you everything you need to know about that pesticide, including what you need to take under advisement when using that chemical,” Bauer said.

When reading product labels make note of the Personal Protective Equipment section, which lists what to wear and use to apply the product safely. Also, follow recommended application rates and don’t remove labels, so that everyone has access to product information.

Bauer also offered these pesticide safety tips:
Cover as much exposed skin as possible when spraying , and wear protective eyewear and gloves. “Sometimes it’s as simple as not wanting to wear long sleeves or long pants because it’s too hot outside while spraying,” Bauer said.
Rinse empty pesticide containers three times and dispose of them properly . Do not reuse containers.
Immediately wash with clean water any parts of your body that come in contact with farm chemicals, and then change clothes.
Wash work clothes separate from other clothes after mixing and using pesticides, to prevent chemical cross-contamination by you and your family.
Wash hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or touching your nose or mouth if you’ve been spraying or handling pesticides.

Thousands of U.S. agricultural workers are treated each year for pesticide-related injuries, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA estimates 10,000-20,000 physician-diagnosed pesticide poisonings occur annually among the approximately 2 million U.S. agricultural workers.

By Steve Leer

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