Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500586
06/24/03
Pesticide Protection
Take cover while mixing and applying pesticides to
protect your body from the often hidden and potentially
dangerous effects of pesticide poisoning. Some pesticides
are highly toxic, others much less so. However, wise and
prudent handling of any chemical dictates precaution to
minimize exposure.
Poisoning most often results from pesticides entering
body through the skin rather than through the lungs or
digestive tract. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning range
from headaches to vomiting and even death. You can
minimize the dangers of pesticide exposure by wearing
clothing that covers and protects your body. Pesticide
residues are absorbed through the skin at different rates
on different parts of the body. Figures in the table,
obtained from a study of volunteers, show that you
should take special care to protect the scalp, ear canal
and forehead. A hat with a wide brim would serve to
protect these three areas. (Vis. 1)
The abdominal area and waistline should be protected
to prevent chemical access to the scrotum. Heavy denim
such as jeans or coveralls is probably one of the best
means of protecting this area at the present time. If
jeans are worn, the upper body should be protected with a
heavy denim shirt or jacket. Scotch-guarding these items
adds further protection from the penetration of
pesticides.
In cool weather, a waterproof suit or raincoat is an
even more effective protective covering as long as the
head is protected with a hat or hood. Lightweight,
natural rubber or neoprene gloves and boot should be worn
inside shirt sleeves and pant legs to prevent spilled
pesticide from running down onto the hands and feet. DO
NOT wear leather gloves, boots or hats with leather
hatbands, as leather is a very absorbent material.
Although you may not feel that you receive much
pesticide exposure during normal operations, all areas of
the body received spray, with the heaviest deposition on
the head, upper torso and arm areas, as well as the
forearms and front lower legs. (Vis. 2) If you are guilty
of being "bare" in any of these areas while applying
pesticides in hot weather, you had better "take cover"
next time. A wide brimmed hat, longsleeved shirt and
pants, boots and gloves are a must!
Laundering
Clothes worn while applying pesticides should be
cleaned after every use. If you wear a waterproof suit or
rain gear, hose off the outside of the garment with
water. All other work clothing worn during pesticide use
such as denim jeans, coveralls, shirts and jackets should
be kept separate from other family laundry. Follow normal
heavily soiled laundry procedures to remove the pesticide
from these items. An extra rinse is also a good idea to
be sure all residues are removed. The next time you
prepare to apply pesticides, remember... TAKE COVER
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .