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Safeguarding your family against pesticides
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Posted on Sep 19 2008
[B][I]Last of a three-part series[/I][/B]
[B] Transporting[/B] – When transporting pesticides, ensure the containers do not shift, roll or bounce around in your truck or car. [B]Storage[/B] – Store pesticides in a locked, cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Do not store near food, feed, seed or animals. Store all pesticides in their original containers with the labels intact. [B]Disposal[/B] – Dispose of small empty pesticide containers or unwanted pesticides at the DPW-Refuse Transfer Station in Puerto Rico, Saipan or other public trash dump directly.
[B] Spills[/B] – Clean up spills immediately. Decontaminate tools used to clean up the spill. The clean up and contaminated materials should be disposed of as directed by the label or at the public trash dump. Use protective equipment as directed by the label. In the case of large spills, contact the Pesticide program at DEQ. [B]Symptoms of pesticide poisoning [/B]
Fruits and vegetables are good for us—they keep us healthy! We should eat lots every day.
Farmers use pesticides to help fruits and vegetables grow. Pesticides help plants grow, but they are poisonous for people—they make us very sick if we eat them. This is why it is very important that we wash fruits and vegetables in warm water to clean off the pesticides and make them safe to eat.
[B]
Safe handling[/B]
At home, gardeners also use pesticides to help their flowers and plants grow. Before purchasing a pesticide, be sure one is needed. Look at the damage to see if there are enough pests to make it worth your time and money to apply chemical control.
[B]Usage[/B] – If you decide to use a pesticide, select the proper chemical for the job. Read and understand all labels for every pesticide you buy and use. Do not rely on your memory. It is always best to re-read labels before using pesticides. Wear clean, dry clothing that covers the body. Never use cotton or leather gloves.[B] Transporting[/B] – When transporting pesticides, ensure the containers do not shift, roll or bounce around in your truck or car. [B]Storage[/B] – Store pesticides in a locked, cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Do not store near food, feed, seed or animals. Store all pesticides in their original containers with the labels intact. [B]Disposal[/B] – Dispose of small empty pesticide containers or unwanted pesticides at the DPW-Refuse Transfer Station in Puerto Rico, Saipan or other public trash dump directly.
[B] Spills[/B] – Clean up spills immediately. Decontaminate tools used to clean up the spill. The clean up and contaminated materials should be disposed of as directed by the label or at the public trash dump. Use protective equipment as directed by the label. In the case of large spills, contact the Pesticide program at DEQ. [B]Symptoms of pesticide poisoning [/B]
People exposed to pesticides may experience a number of different symptoms. Even with only mild symptoms, a person can feel uncomfortable. Eyes can water, get red and itchy. Skin can get red bumps and feel itchy. Mild symptoms include:
* Headache
* Dizzin, fatigue
* Nausea, vomiting
* Excessive sweating
* Blurry vision
* Chest pain, difficulty breathing
* Watery eyes or mouth, and runny nose
* Muscle pain, cramping
[B]Pesticide law[/B]Pesticides are regulated by the CNMI Environmental Protection Act (Public Law 3-23) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Enforcement of both is the responsibility of the Division of Environmental Quality.
These laws set stringent rules governing the use of pesticides by:
* Requiring federal registration of pesticides sold or distributed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;
* Prohibiting the use of any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with product labeling;0
* Restricting the sale and use of certain hazardous pesticides to licensed dealers and certified applicator; and
* Prohibiting the importation of unregistered pesticides.
For more information on pesticides and their use, contact the Pesticide program at the Division of Environmental Quality at 664-8500/1 or via email at environment@deq.gov.mp. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
