Iowa State University Extension
Half
of all pesticide-related deaths each year in the United States
involve children under age 10. Many of these accidents, as
well as incidents of groundwater contamination, involve improper
pesticide storage or disposal.
The
proper storage and safe use of pesticides is important to
your health and the health of others. If you don't already
store pesticides in separate locations in your operation,
set aside special areas as soon as possible.
Keep
these things in mind when selecting a pesticide storage area:
Keep
the area locked at all times. Make sure the area is inaccessible
to children, animals or pets. Post weather-proof warning signs
over every door and window in the area.
Keep
the area dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Some pesticides
require protection against freezing or extreme heat (check
the label for warnings).
Do not
keep food, feed, fertilizers, seed, veterinary supplies, or
other stored products in the same area. To prevent accidental
use of the wrong chemical, store herbicides, insecticides,
and fungicides in separate locations.
A supply
of detergent, or soap and water is essential in the storage
area. Water is a quick first-aid in a poisoning emergency.
For
more information, see a new Extension publication, Dispose
of Pesticides Properly, Pm-1265e, at the County Extension
office.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University, and
a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their families.
Distribution date: May 1992.
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