How to Reduce Harm from Pesticide Use 267
How to Reduce Harm from Pesticide Use
If you work with pesticides, use them with great care. Whether you are a
farmer or a laborer, be responsible for your own well-being, the well-being of
other people, and the environment. To protect yourself and those around you:
• Control pests without pesticides
(see Chapters 15 and 17).
• Do not work alone with pesticides.
• Use the pesticide only on the
crop it is meant for.
• Use the smallest amount you
can. More is not always better.
• Do not mix different pesticides
together.
• Keep pesticides off your body
and off other people.
• Keep pesticides away from water
sources.
• Do not use pesticides when it is
windy, raining, or about to rain.
• Make sure your clothing covers
you completely.
• Try not to wipe your eyes, face,
and neck when you handle
pesticides.
• Wash your hands before eating,
drinking, or touching your face.
• Keep your fingernails and
toenails short so pesticides
cannot collect under them.
• Use protective clothing and
equipment.
• Do not enter sprayed fields until
it is safe to do so (see page 269).
• Wash well after using pesticides.
It’s too hot to
wear all this!
Yes it is uncomfortable, but
without protective clothing
you can get poisoned.
Protective clothing may be uncomfortable, but it can save your life.
To make wearing protective clothing more comfortable, spray early in the
morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not so hot. Rest in the shade
and drink a lot of clean water to prevent heat sickness. For more on protective
clothing and equipment, see Appendix A. To prevent or treat heat sickness, see
Where There Is No Doctor or another medical book.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012