Oregon Safety Flashcards
1
Q
What federal law authorized the regulation of pesticides as we know it?
A
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
2
Q
Which Federal agency registers pesticides in the U.S.?
A
EPA
3
Q
What is pesticide tolerance?
A
Maximum amount of pesticide residue that is allowed on food and feed crops.
4
Q
Which federal agency sets food tolerances for pesticides? Which agency enforces these tolerances?
A
EPA, FDA
5
Q
Which are two types of penalties FIFRA allows for applicators who violate the law?
A
Civil penalties for those who violate the law unintentionally. Criminal penalties for those who violate the law knowingly.
6
Q
Which act authorizes the EPA to manage hazardous waste.
A
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.
7
Q
Which agency and what act have direct regulatory roles in the application of a herbicide on forestland a in Oregon.
A
The federal Aviation Administration and the Oregon Forest Practices Act.
8
Q
What state agency administers the EPA Worker Protection Standard in Oregon?
A
Oregon OSHA
9
Q
What state agency administers the Hazard Communication Standard?
A
Oregon OSHA
10
Q
What agency enforces the installation of back-siphon or anti-siphon devices on chemigation?
A
Oregon Water Resources Department
11
Q
What act makes it illegal to harm a threatened or endangered species?
A
Endangered Species Act of 1973
12
Q
Which species is closer to extinction: an endangered or a threatened species?
A
Endangered species
13
Q
Can a private pesticide applicator legally apply a general use herbicide along the fence of the school playground, if the school board president asks him to do so?
A
Yes
14
Q
Can a private applicator spray a highly toxic pesticide for a neighbor who is not licensed?
A
No
15
Q
What is toxicity?
A
Toxicity is how poisonous a substance is to a living system, such as a human being, and animal, a lake, or a forest.
16
Q
Name four ways pesticides can enter the body?
A
Skin (dermally), ingestion (orally), eyes (ocular), breathing (inhalation)
17
Q
Some pesticides can be as dangerous when they are absorbed through the skin as they are when they are swallowed.
A
True
18
Q
Which is absorbed more easily through the skin-an oil or water based pesticide solution?
A
oil-soluble
19
Q
Name three areas of the body surface that absorb pesticides more quickly than others.
A
eyes, ears, forehead, scalp, and groin
20
Q
Which are the two most common routes of entry for the pesticide handler?
A
Dermal and inhalation
21
Q
What should you do to avoid getting pesticides in your mouth by mistake?
A
Wash hands properly after applying pesticides, especially before eating or smoking. Never store pesticides in any food or drink container.
22
Q
What is pesticide exposure?
A
Pesticide exposure is when a chemical contacts a body surface.
23
Q
Name and define the two types of pesticide exposure.
A
Acute: one time or limited contact.
Chronic: contact with a pesticide again and again
24
Q
Which type of pesticide exposure is easier to detect and study?
A
Acute effects are easier to detect and study
25
Explain the difference between exposure and dose.
exposure is when a chemical contacts a body surface. Dose is how much chemical is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.
26
Explain the difference between acute toxicity and chronic toxicity.
Acute toxicity: how poisonous a substance is after acute exposure.
Chronic Toxicity: how poisonous a substance is after chronic exposure at low doses over a long period of time.
27
What does LD50 mean? To what does it refer? What does LC50 mean? To what does it refer?
Lethal Dose 50. It is the dose of a chemical that kills half of the animals in a dose-response study.
Lethal Concentration 50. It is the amount of chemical in the air that causes half of the animals to die when they inhale it.
28
The higher the LD50 the more toxic the pesticide. True or False?
False. The higher the LD50, the less toxic the pesticide.
29
Name and describe 5 types of of effects of pesticides to humans.
Teratogenic effects: deformities in unborn offspring
Carcinogenic effects: cause cancer
Mutagenic effects: cause mutations
Neurotoxicity: poison the nervous system
Immunotoxicity: blocks natural defense of immune system
Local or systemic, immediate or delayed, reversible or irreversible, singular, additive or synergistic.
30
What types of toxicity are label signal words and warning statements based on?
A pesticides acute oral or dermal toxicity (LD50), acute inhalation toxicity (LC50), and eye and skin irritation effects.
31
Which signal words are required on the label for pesticides classified as: Relatively nontoxic? Highly toxic, slightly toxic? moderately toxic?
Caution!, Danger-Poison!, Caution!, Warning!
32
Is there a difference between the toxicity and hazard of a substance? What is the difference?
Toxicity is how poisonous it is to a living system. Hazard is the chance or risk that danger or harm will result from the use of a pesticide.
33
Is a highly toxic substance always very hazardous?
No. It can pose a lower risk or hazard if it is handled properly.
34
What are some of the factors that make a chemical hazardous?
toxicity, skill of the handler, type of pesticide, health of exposed person, formulation, concentration and dosage used.
35
What is the difference between a deposit and a residue?
Pesticide found on leaves, skin, or other surfaces just after application is the deposit. The deposit that remains on the surface for after a certain length of time is the residue.
36
How can long-lasting residues be desirable? Undesirable?
Pesticide is effective for a longer period of time.
Long-lasting residue on food or feed crops could be a hazard to those who eat it. Residues that remain in the soil might affect crops planted at a later date. residues can poison anyone who enters a treated area.
37
What is tolerance? When must a tolerance be set?
Maximum amount of residue allowed to remain on a harvested food or feed crop. A tolerance must be set before a pesticide is registered.
38
Can a food or feed crop have more than the set tolerance of a pesticide on it and still be marketed legally?
No. The crop could be condemned by state or federal regulatory agencies.
39
Do all food and feed products you buy have the maximum tolerance of each pesticide registered in that crop?
No. Most of the time, pesticide residues are at a level far below the tolerance.
40
What is a minor-use pesticide?
Those used on small acreage crops. They do not make much profit for their manufacturers compared to the high cost of registration.
41
What does the term NOEL mean?
No Observed Effect Level. It is the highest dose in a dose-response study that does not cause an adverse effect that scientists can observe.
42
At least what margin of safety (the safety factor) is used in setting tolerances?
At least 100 times the lower than the NOEL
43
The FQPA (Food Quality Protection Act) requires that pesticide tolerances be "safe". How do they define safe?
"reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure".
44
How does the FQPA (Food Quality Protection Act) define aggregate exposure?
"All possible residue exposure from all foods (and water), residential (non-occupational), and occupational uses for which tolerances have been granted for the same pesticide, and all pesticides with a similar mechanism of toxicity."
45
What is a pre-harvest interval?
The least number of days allowed between the last pesticide application and the harvest or slaughter day.
46
What is the reference dose? How is it figured?
RDF is the dose of chemical that a person can be exposed to daily without being likely to suffer an adverse effect over a lifetime. To figure the RDF the EPA divides the NOEL by a safety factor (or uncertainty factor) or at least 100. In other words, the RDF is at least 100 times lower than the NOEL.
47
How does a pesticide cancellation differ from a suspension?
Cancellation means that all products to which the judgement applies no longer may be sold or distributed in the U.S. In most cases, the pesticide remains on the market during the cancellation process. If the EPA thinks that leaving the product on the market would pose too high a risk, it can issue a suspension order. The suspension order bans the sale or use of the pesticide until the pesticide's status is decided.
48
When a pesticide turns into vapor and moves off target, what is this called?
Vapor drift
49
Name four of the eight factors that affect drift.
evaporation, particle size, nozzle design and placement, pressure, height of nozzle, air movement, temperature, humidity
50
What are two atmospheric conditions that increase pesticide drift?
Wind direction and speed, temperature and humidity.
51
How can you protect honeybees from pesticide exposure?
Apply the right pesticide the right way. Do not apply to crops, trees, or weeds in bloom. Make applications in the evening. Use a pesticide that breaks down in a few hours. Do not treat near hives.
52
How can the use of pesticides affect wildlife?
Pesticides can affect breeding and birth. Pesticide applications also can alter habitat or reduce food supply, which harms wildlife.
53
How do mammals, fish, and birds build up high pesticide residue levels in their bodies?
A steady diet of plants or animals that have pesticides in them can result in the build up of some pesticides in the bodies of animals, including humans.
54
How do pesticides reach ground water?
Pesticides can move downward with rain or irrigation water and reach the water table below. Pesticides can enter a well from a spill or back-siphon and enter the ground water directly.
55
When can a pesticide be a dangerous pollutant?
Pesticides are dangerous when they drift off-target or are applied in amounts greater than the rate recommended on the label. Carelessness contributes to pollution of the environment.
56
How do pesticides reach streams and ponds?
Runoff polluted water and soil erosion carry pesticides to water sources.
57
How do you change pressure to reduce liquid droplet drift?
Reduce pressure and increase the droplet size. Larger droplets drift less.
58
What are two things that could happen if a pesticide drifts onto forage or pastureland or into drinking water?
People, pets, wildlife, and sensitive plants can be injured by pesticide exposure. Pasture grasses can be destroyed. Milk or meat can contain illegal pesticide residues if cattle eat contaminated forage. Water can become too contaminated to drink, aquatic organisms can be destroyed, and the cost of cleaning will be very high.
59
What is an aquifer? Why is it important?
An aquifer is a geologic formation of permeable rock, sand, or gravel that stores large amounts of water. Many people use water from aquifers for drinking.
60
What do we call the complex relationship of all animals (including humans) who need each other for food.
Food Chain
61
What is the best way to protect against groundwater pollution?
Prevention
62
Where are humans in the food chain?
Near the top
63
What is a non accumulative pesticide?
Non accumulative pesticides do not build up in the bodies of animals or in the tissues of plants.
64
What is the difference between accumulative and persistent pesticides?
Accumulative pesticides slowly build up in the bodies of animals or plants. Persistent pesticides remain in the environment without breaking down.
65
Do persistant pesticides accumulate?
No. Persistant pesticides remain in the environment without breaking down. This does not mean they also have the necessary characteristics to accumulate in animals or plants.
66
Do persistant pesticides cause much harm to the environment? Why?
They can, but sometimes persistence is helpful. Long lasting or persistent pesticides protect wood in structures from termites. There are persistent pesticides that stay on target, control specific pests, and cause no adverse environmental impact.
67
Briefly describe the water cycle.
Precipitation, surface water, groundwater, evaporation.
68
Name three ways pesticides break down after application.
Microbial, chemical, and photo degradation.
69
What legal responsibility do you have for wearing the PPE that the pesticide labeling lists for your handling task?
By law, you must wear at least the PPE listed on the label for the handling task you are performing. You are allowed to wear more if you would like.
70
How can you tell when a material is not chemical-resistant to the pesticide you are handling?
Material may change color, become soft or spongy, swell or bubble up, dissolve or become like jelly, crack or get holes, or become stiff or brittle.
71
When should you wear chemical-resistant gloves? Why are gloves so important to a pesticide handler?
Wear chemical-resistant gloves any time pesticide could get on your hands, except when you are handling fumigants whose labeling may direct you not wear gloves. The hands get more exposure to pesticides than other body parts do.
72
If you need to remove your gloves during a handling task, what is the best way to remove them and put them back on?
Wash your gloves well before you take them off.
Wash and dry your hands very well.
Then, put your gloves back on again.
73
When should you wear protective headgear? What type of headgear should you use?
Whenever you could be exposed to pesticides from above, wear protective headgear to help keep the pesticide off your head, neck, eyes, mouth, and face. Wear a chemical-resistant hood or wide-brimmed hat.
74
When the pesticide labeling states that you must use protective eyewear, what should you wear?
Chemical-resistant goggles or safety glasses with a full-face shield.
75
What are differences among dust/mist-filtering respirators, vapor-removing respirators, and air-supplying respirators?
Dust/mist-filtering respirators are masks or cartridges that filter dust, mists, and powders. Vapor-removing respirators use a cartridge or canister to remove pesticide gases and vapors from the air. Air-supplying respirators provide you with clean air either from an air tank or from a location where the air is not contaminated with pesticides.
76
What special hazards do fumigants pose for pesticide handlers?
Serious inhalation hazard. Some fumigants can cause severe skin irritation or poisoning if they are trapped next to the skin by tight clothing or chemical resistant PPE.
77
What should you do with a coverall that has highly toxic pesticide concentrate spilled on it?
Discard. It cannot be cleaned well enough.
78
What should you tell the people who wash your clothing about how to protect themselves from pesticides?
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and apron. Work in an area where there is lots of fresh air and avoid inhaling steam from the washer and dryer.
79
What should you do when you are finished using your respirator for the day?
- Discard items that cannot be re-used
- Take off the pre filters and cartridges or canisters. Discard them. If you can re-use them, wipe them with a clean cloth, replace filters and caps, and seal them in an airtight container. A zip-close plastic bag works well.]
- Wash the respirator body and face piece and wipe the exterior or resizable filters. Soak them for 2 minutes in 2 tablespoons of bleach and 1 gallon of hot water for 2 minutes. Rinse well and dry in a clean area.
- Store respirators and parts in a clean airtight container
80
How do you know when to replace dust/mist masks, pre filters, and vapor-removing canisters and cartridges?
Change immediately if you have trouble breathing. Usually every 8 hours. change immediately if you feel dizzy or irritated from pesticide vapors.
81
how should you clean your washing machine after washing contaminated clothing?
Run one more complete cycle using hot water and detergent.
82
What is a symptom of pesticide poisoning? What is a sign of pesticide poisoning?
Symptom is a feeling or other effect that only the person who has been poisoned can notice. A sign of poisoning can be seen by others.
83
Are the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning very different from the symptoms of other kinds of sickness?
No. Many signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning are like sickness or other types of poisoning.
84
Are the signs and symptoms for all cases of pesticide poisoning the same?
No. Many signs and symptoms vary depending on the pesticide, dose, and time since exposure.
85
Name four signs or symptoms of pesticide poisoning. Name two signs or symptoms of a pesticide irritant.
- Poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, excessive sweating, chills, thirst, chest pains, difficult breathing, muscle cramps, aches all over body.
- Irritants: redness, blisters, rash, burns on skin, swelling, a stinging sensation, burns in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat
86
Who should you call if you suspect that you (or a co-worker) have been poisoned by pesticides?
Doctor or poison center
87
What is the first thing you should do if you or someone else is overexposed to pesticides.
Call Oregon poison center or a doctor
88
Why should your doctor know which pesticides you normally use?
So they will better be able to treat you if you are poisoned by pesticides.
89
What is most important to do if poison is on the victim's skin or in his eyes?
Wash with plenty of running water.
90
What do you do first if the victim has inhaled poison? How do you protect yourself.
Carry the patient to fresh air right away. Wear a respirator if the victim is in an enclosed space.
91
If a person has swallowed a poison, always make him or her vomit except in 4 cases. Which are they?
1. If the label says not to. 2. The victim is unconscious or in convulsions. 3. The victim has swallowed corrosive poison. 4. The victim has swallowed petroleum products.
92
What can you use to adsorb poisons that the victim has swallowed? How is it used?
High-potency activated charcoal is used to adsorb many poisons. Mix it with water to make a thick syrup for the victim to drink.
93
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
Method to decide which pest-control tactics to use and how to use them. The tactics must be safe for the environment. They must make economic sense.
94
What are some benefits of IPM?
IPM keeps a balanced ecosystem, is not hard to use, saves money, promotes a healthy environment, and maintains a good public image.
95
IPM is based on preventing pest buildup, monitoring for pests, assessing what you find, and deciding what action to take. What does each of these steps involve?
1. Cultural and biological controls and physical barriers 2. Checking an area often, proper and early identification, identification of the effectiveness of biological control agents 3. Determining potential for pest populations to reach an economic threshold or economic injury level 4. using aspects of IPM to prevent loss or damage
96
Why is it important to know exactly what the pest is?
The control method used may may work on one species but not another. Also, you do not want to kill creatures that are not pests.
