Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
medium to floors or benches below. Some pesticides used indoors may be
absorbed into carpets, wood, and other porous surfaces and remain trapped for a
long time.
Typical pesticide labeling statements that alert you to these concerns in-
clude:
•
Do not contaminate water through runoff, spills, or improper dis-
posal of excess pesticide, spray mixtures, or rinsates.
•
Do not allow runoff or spray to contaminate wells, irrigation ditches,
or any body of water used for irrigation or domestic purposes.
•
Do not apply directly to water and wetlands (swamps, bogs, marshes,
and potholes).
•
Maintain a buffer zone (lay-off distance) of 100 feet from bodies of
water.
•
This product is water-soluble and can move with surface runoff water.
Do not contaminate cropland, water, or irrigation ditches.
d.
On or in Objects, Plants, or Animals
Pesticides can move away from the release site when they are on or in ob-
jects or organisms that move (or are moved) offsite. Pesticides may stick to
shoes or clothing, to animal fur, or to blowing dust and be transferred to other
surfaces. When pesticide handlers, applicators, and users bring home or wear
home contaminated personal protective equipment, work clothing, or other
items, residues can rub off on carpeting, furniture, and laundry items and onto
pets and people.
Pesticides may stick to treated surfaces, such as food or feed products that
are to be sold. To protect consumers, there are legal limits (tolerances) for
how much pesticide residue may safely remain on crops or animal products
that are sold for food or feed. Products that exceed these tolerances are illegal
and cannot be sold. Crops and animal products will not be over tolerance lev-
els if the pesticides are applied as directed on the product labeling. Illegal pes-
ticide residues levels usually result when:
•
too much pesticide is applied to the crop or animal
•
the days-to-harvest, days-to-grazing, or days-to-slaughter directions on
the pesticide labeling are not obeyed
•
pesticides move out of the release site and contaminate plants or ani-
mals nearby.
