Are you thinking of using pesticides in your garden? Do you want to know more about the dangers of pesticides before interacting with them?
Learning more about pesticides before you use them is an important step to staying safe. That’s why we’ve gathered a quick guide that’ll give you a great foundation on how to use pesticides the right way. Check it out down below!
Know the Different Types of Pesticides
There are many types of garden pesticides and you must know everything you can about the type you choose to use. You’ll want to pay extra attention to its limitation.
Is the pesticide unlimited in its use, meaning it has no big risks? Is it food-safe or is it only meant for non-food plants?
Some pesticides cause skin irritation while others are carcinogenic. You must know which type you’re dealing with so that you understand what to expect.
This wide variety of pesticides is why many people opt to take a pesticide worker training course. It’s the best way to learn how to use these toxic chemicals safely.
Wear Protective Equipment
Regardless of which type of pesticide you choose, you’ll always want to wear protective gear when handling the chemical. Once you know the pesticide health effects linked to your chosen chemical, you’ll know how much protective gear is necessary to stay safe.
The gear you’ll need includes:
- Chemical-resistant gloves that are elbow-length
- Eye protection that creates a seal around your eyes
- Mask or respirator
- Long sleeves and long pants that cover your skin
- Thick-soled boots
Always use gear that’s approved by standard EPA regulations for the best protection.
Avoid Water Sources
When you use a pesticide, you never want to use it near a source of water. This allows the pesticide to reach farther and cause more harm than when you use it within an enclosed space.
It’s not enough to make your garden far away from things like streams, lakes, and ponds. You’ll need to think about the runoff water during rainstorms.
If you live near a water source, it’s often better to skip pesticides altogether. Otherwise, you’ll need to be extra cautious about your choice of pesticide to avoid poisoning the water source.
Learn About Health Warning Signs
Even with all of the best safety precautions, pesticides still pose a threat. The best thing to avoid any problems is to know the warning signs when someone’s been exposed to a harmful pesticide.
The warning signs vary from one pesticide to another since they all have their own health risks.
The most common signs include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, and heavy sweating. If you suspect someone’s had contact with a pesticide, take them to a doctor right away!
Always Understand the Dangers of Pesticides Before Use
By learning about the dangers of pesticides, you’ll keep yourself and others safe from their risks. It’s important that you stay updated on all the changing information about the pesticides you use. That way, you’ll never be caught off guard.
Don’t forget to come back here for a refresher to keep these safety measures fresh in your mind!
The rest of our Health section is full of even more advice that’ll keep you safe, so make sure to check it out!
