By now, likely everyone has seen the news articles – the last several years have brought up a lot of conservation surrounding pesticide use from a safety and human health perspective. Using pesticide products in a way that’s safe and healthy for applicators, our families, the consumer, and the environment is one of the absolute best ways we can steward our pesticide use for the future. But how do we make sure we are safe and protecting those around us when we make pesticide applications?
It’s important to remember that when any pesticide product is registered or reregistered, there is a lot of time and work that goes into understanding the potential impacts to human health from both a non-occupational (non-pesticide applicator) and occupational (pesticide applicator or handler) standpoint. From a non-occupational perspective, analysis is done to better understand where (food, environment, etc.) humans may potentially be exposed to the product, and at what level this exposure may cause adverse effects to human health. Once that level is determined, then a 1000X level of safety is added to account for limitations with testing, sensitive populations, and children/infants before that product is released to the market.
Of course, as applicators the potential for exposure can be higher than for someone who does not handle pesticide products in their day job; however, safety calculations again are conducted to determine at what level of exposure adverse effects may occur (with safety factors subsequently added before product release). The difference here, is that when this analysis is done, the assumption is that applicators are wearing the full personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined on the product label…..without wearing our PPE, we cannot assume our health as applicators is safe! Keep in mind, the potential for injury from using a pesticide (or any chemical substance) comes from a combination of how toxic the product is combined with exposure over time. It’s always a good refresher as we go into a new growing season to think about ways that we can minimize pesticide exposure (including small exposures over time). This not only helps us protect our long-term health and quality of life but also protects our families too.
Every pesticide label (including the three over the top dicamba products) includes what PPE is required to be worn during mixing, loading, and application – but you can always wear more. Be sure to check the label of the product(s) you are applying, but generally long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes plus socks, and waterproof gloves are standard. These items form the basis of not only protecting our skin, but also preventing the accidental spread of pesticide residues to other parts of the body and our surroundings – think truck doors, seats, etc. Respirators (required for Engenia applications), protective eyewear, and chemical resistant aprons while mixing can help further that protection. Remember, PPE is also necessary if entering the treated area before the REI has expired.
Protecting yourself and others doesn’t end with the application; we’ve also got to be mindful of handling that clothing once home. It’s a good practice to wash all clothing worn during a pesticide application (even if you’re in a cab) separate from the rest of your family’s laundry. Remember, we are thinking long term – reducing small pesticide exposures over time to preserve the health of the whole family!
As we get ready to enter into a new growing season, remember the challenges that pesticides have faced in previous years….pesticide use and availability are not a given. We must be smart with our actions and collectively work together to steward pesticide use. It starts and continues with being SAFE in the way we use these critical products. If you have any questions or need help dialing in the pesticide safety practices you implement on your farm, please reach out to your local extension agent. Have a great (and safe) planting season!
Taylor Singleton
Assistant Professor and Extension Sustainability Specialist
University of Georgia