Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
cause severe skin irritation or lead to poisoning through skin absorption. The
labeling on these fumigants state the appropriate personal protective equip-
ment to wear while handling them. Such labeling often will tell you to wear
loose-fitting clothes and "breathable" footwear such as canvas or other fabric.
The labeling may tell you not to wear any gloves or to wear cotton or other
absorbent gloves.
III. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
A. PROTECTING YOUR RESPIRATORY TRACT
The respiratory tract—the lungs and other parts of the breathing system—
is much more absorbent than the skin. You must wear a respirator when the
pesticide labeling directs you to do so. Even if the labeling does not require it,
you should consider wearing a respiratory protective device:
•
If you are in an enclosed area and the pesticide you are handling has a
labeling precautionary statement such as "do not breathe vapors or
spray mist," or "harmful or fatal if inhaled."
•
If you will be exposed for a long time to pesticides that are in or near
your breathing zone.
Some fumigants and a few other pesticide formulations contain an additive
that will warn you if you begin to inhale the pesticide. Such warning agents
often are used when the active ingredients in the pesticide are highly toxic
ones that you would otherwise not be able to detect. The additive may have a
characteristic odor or be a mild irritant to alert you to put on a respirator or
that your respirator is no longer protecting you. The warning agent can help
determine when you should use a respirator for products whose labeling does
not require respiratory protection in all situations.
Some pesticide labeling lists the type of respirator you should wear when
handling the product. Other labeling requires the use of a respirator, but does
not specify the type or model to be used. NIOSH (National Institute of Safety
and Health) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) approve res-
pirators as adequate for certain types of uses. When the pesticide labeling re-
quires you to use a respirator, wear one that is approved by NIOSH and MSHA.
If the respirator has more than one part, all the parts must be approved.
Studies have shown that many pesticide handlers do not use respirators
correctly and so are not being well protected. Before using a respirator, you
should be trained in the correct procedures for selecting, fitting, cleaning and
sanitizing, inspecting, and maintaining respiratory protective equipment.
