Pesticides1 are essential to modern agriculture. When used correctly, results are gratifying and of tremendous benefits, but pesticides used carelessly or incorrectly can result in economic loss, sickness or even death.
The greatest hazard in the use of pesticides is to the applicator - the one who actually opens the container of concentrated or formulated material, mixes it, and applies it to the target area. Unfortunately, he may be the one who is least concerned, either because of a lack of information or because he has become complacent from repeated use. It is essential and now required by law that pesticide workers not only know the effectiveness of chemicals in controlling pests but also the potential health hazard involved in their use. Very toxic pesticides can be used safely but one must know how to use them.
All pesticides (and pesticide products) are now classified for "General Use" or "Restricted Use" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before they are sold. "General Use" pesticides are relatively safe, can be used by anyone and can be purchased from a farm supply store, a garden store, a hardware store or even a supermarket. "Restricted Use" pesticides are more toxic and/or hazardous to use. They can be purchased only from authorized suppliers and only by certified applicators who have demonstrated that they are competent and capable of using such chemicals properly.
Labeling laws require that warnings and precautionary statements relative to the toxicity of the formulated pesticide be conspicuously printed on the label. Watch for these key word and precautionary statements. Read the label carefully and follow directions explicitly in handling and applying all pesticides.
Please read this leaflet carefully before using any pesticide.
(1) Pesticides is a general term, which includes chemicals used to control insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), plant diseases (fungicides), rodents (rodenticides), etc.