Protecting Human Health Flashcards
What best describes risk as it applies to pesticides?
The possibility that a pesticide may cause harm
What does the term Toxicity mean?
The ability of a pesticide to cause harm
What does the term Ld50 mean with regard to toxicity
Lethal dose for 50% of the test population
Exposure to pesticides
The length of time an applicator uses a pesticide affects exposure
Which best defines Acute Toxicity?
The harmful effects of exposure to a pesticide seen within a short time after exposure
What actions reduce the risk of harm when working with pesticides?
-Use less toxic pesticides
-Take longer breaks between pesticide uses
-Use the pesticide less often
What does the term Lc50 mean with regard to toxicity?
Lethal Concentration in air or water for 50% of the test population
What does the term Chronic Toxicity mean?
Long term health effects caused by a pesticide
What are some facts about Ld50 test results?
-A pesticide with a small LD50 is more toxic than one with a high LD50
-Toxicity tests results are based on the use of live test animals
-Test animals receive the pesticide by ingesting it and through the skin
What are 4 major pathways that a pesticide can enter the body?
Swallowing, breathing, eyes and skin
Which area of the body absorbs a pesticide most easily?
Eyes
What is the most common form of exposure to a pesticide?
Cleaning application equipment
Severe symptoms of pesticide poisoning to look for if someone becomes ill
Vomiting, loss of reflexes, trouble breathing, increased breathing rate, muscle twitching, pin-point pupils, convulsions, unconsciousness, thirst, fever and death
On the jobsite, one of the applicators is showing symptoms of poisoning, what is the most important action to take?
See a doctor
Possible effects of chronic pesticide exposure
-Skin irritation
-Loss of weight
-Tumors
-Organ Damage
-Nerve Damage
-Birth Defects
Ways to avoid pesticide exposure through the skin
-Keeping PPE clean and in order
-Wearing chemical resistant gloves when handling pesticide contaminated clothing or equipment
-Washing hands and face before after handling pesticides or pesticide containers. Do this before eating, drinking, smoking or using the toilet
-Keep contaminated gloves or clothing away from face or eyes
Immediately washing any area where a pesticide has been spilt on the body. Carefully remove any contaminated clothing
-Following re-entry times before going in to a contaminated area
-Wearing appropriate PPE (especially chemical resistant gloves)
Ways to avoid pesticide exposure by inhalation
-Wear a respirator
-Staying away from areas where pesticides have just been applied
-Following precautionary statements on the pesticide label
Best way to avoid exposure to pesticide through the eyes
Wear goggles or a face shield
Four general practices that will lesson or eliminate exposure
-Right Attitude
-Right method of application
-Right protective equipment
-Right safety practices
