III.) How Humans Are Exposed and Methods to Reduce Human Exposure.

Question 1

Pesticides can enter the body through four major routes

Answer 1

1. ) Dermal
2. ) Oral
3. )Respiratory
4. )Ocular

Question 2

Dermal (Gloves, boots, and full-body coveralls)

Answer 2

Is the most frequent type of pesticide exposure. Certain pesticides injure the skin, while others may pass through the skin and affect internal organs. Pesticides that are more soluble in oil or petroleum solvents can penetrate the skin more easily than those of water.

Question 3

Ocular (goggles/face shields)

Answer 3

The second most frequent type of pesticide exposure. Some can cause serious direct damage by splashing into the eye, but the eyes also provide an indirect route of entry for the pesticide into the bloodstream.

Question 4

Oral

Answer 4

Exposure usually occurs accidentally by drinking or eating from containers that have or have held pesticides. It can also occur through splashing or spray of materials during mixing or application (also by smoking during).

Question 5

Respiratory

Answer 5

Inhalation exposure occurs if dusts, mists, or vapors are inhaled during mixing or application. It is particularly hazardous because pesticides are quickly absorbed by the lungs and transported in the bloodstream to other areas of the body. It can also cause serious damage to nose, throat, and lung tissues.

Question 6

Methods to Reduce Human Exposure

Whenever possible it is good to know is making or supervising the application program.

Answer 6

PCA’s are not necessarily involved in the application process, but by recommending the least-toxic materials, risk can be reduced.

Using recommended pesticide formulations.

Use of closed mixing systems including water-soluble packaging.

Procedures to minimize drift.

Following plant-back restrictions and pre-harvest protect consumers from exessive residues

Question 7

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

The WPS is an amendment to FIFRA designed to set standards for basic workplace protections and is intended to reduce the risk of illness and injury from occupation exposures for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. It includes:

In California, pesticide regulations are part of the California Code of Regulations (CCR); therefore is the operative regulation for PCA’s.

Be aware that California requirements may be more restrictive than federal requirements (For instance longer REI’s).
-Additionally there may also be local regulation on pesticide use and restrictions.

Answer 7

• Protections during applications
• Restricted Entry Intervals
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Notification of Workers
• Decontamination Supplies
• Emergency Assistance
• Pesticide Safety Training
• Access to labeling and site specific information

Question 8

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

The MSDS must be available for workers at their request.

Answer 8

Is an info packet prepared by the manufacturer and is available for every labeled pesticide. It describes:

• The chemical characteristics of active and other hazardous ingredients
• Other hazards including fire, explosion, reactivity, incompatibility, etc.
• Storage information and emergency spill or cleanup procedures. (Workers must be trained in)
• LD50 and LC50
• Emergency contact numbers