Using Pesticides Safely
In North Carolina and throughout the US, concern for protecting the environment, especially our drinking water, continues to grow. Everyone involved in the agricultural industry, including producers, agribusiness, and educational organizations, must work to protect our natural resources. Pesticides are vital not only to agricultural production, but also to the health and comfort of the homeowner. These products can be very valuable if used carefully. Used carelessly, pesticides can harm not only the applicator, but also other people, pets, wildlife, plants, water, soil, and air. Keeping nutrients and pesticides out of both surface water and groundwater should be a goal for every farmer in North Carolina. Pesticide use should be only one part of an overall pest management program for insects, diseases, suckers, and weeds. It makes good environmental and economic sense to rotate crops, destroy stalks and roots early, promote a healthy and vigorous crop with good cultural practices, and fertilize properly.
As an aid in using pesticides safely and properly, follow the advice below:
Select the safest production- they're labeled according to their potential hazard
Follow the label directions - use on sites listed on label, use recommended rate, apply at the time and in the manner stated, and obey all precautions
Wear protective clothing- pesticides can be harmful when absorbed through the skin
Store pesticides properly
- Store in locked and posted place away from children and pets.
- Area should be dry, cook, well ventilated and out of direct sunlight.
- Area should also be well insulated to keep the pesticides from freezing or overheating.
- Store in its original containers.
- Store away from combustible materials, such as gasoline or oily rags.
- Check containers often for leaks or breaks.
- Clean up any spills as recommended on label.
Dispose empty containers properly
- Rinse empty container at least 3 times.
- Pour rinse water into spray tanks and apply pesticide-contaminated water to the crop or site as part of the spray solution.
- Punch holes in metal, plastic and paper containers and crush them to prevent further use.
- Then dispose of the container at the pesticide recycle container at the Person County Recycle Center.
(600 N. Madison Blvd.)
Know emergency first aid procedures
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