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Plants provide up to 95% of the world’s food supply either
directly or indirectly. If crops are required to develop in a
healthy manner, it is very necessary that undesirable and
destructive micro-organism and plants are eliminated.
Today pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides,
rodenticides, nematicides etc) are extensively used all over the
world to save crops in the field and in the storage. Evidence
suggests that not only are chemical pesticides used in
increasing quantities but they are sometimes used and handled in
an irresponsible way. This has led to problems regarding the
safe use of pesticides and contamination of the environment.
The problem of misuse of pesticides is a world-wide problem.
This problem has arisen because of insufficient information and
training. The manufacturers and distributors of pesticides and
the user all carry a responsibility for safe handling and the
use of pesticides.
The problems of pesticides safety can be studied under any one
of the three (3) following categories:
1. Education - is directed towards
various extension and training activities.
2. Enforcement - involves government
regulation to import, manufacture and sale of pesticides.
3. Engineering - stress the
technological development, such as new containers, dosages,
application and safety equipments developed specially for the
users.
The above three approaches could be co-ordinated to provide an
efficient and effective solution to deal with the problems of
pesticides safety in the developing world.
More attention must be given to the problem by government,
development agencies and pesticides industry. All must accept
the fact that multiple and integrated approaches are needed to
minimize human health and environment problems associated with
the use of pesticides.
Application of pesticides by the user
Pesticides like drugs are beneficial to man when properly used:
if misused they may be extremely dangerous.
It
is entirely possible for a user to handle pesticides safely for
many years with no obvious ill-effects to himself or his
environment. The ill effects are preventable. Safe handling of
pesticides by the user may be dealt with under the following
precautionary measures:
Pesticide Selection
- Before making a selection, the pest problem should
be identified.
- Select a pesticide that would control the pest with
minimum danger to other organisms.
- The pesticide should be one approved, registered and
recommended.
- Buy only the required quantity of pesticide and
avoid storage.
Handling and Mixing Pesticides
- Mixing and loading operations are the most hazardous
because they generally result in possible of exposure i.e.
spills.
- Obtain proper equipment, including protective
clothing, etc.
- Mix chemicals outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- Clean up spilled pesticides immediately from skin,
clothing etc.
- Persons engaged in mixing, handling or applying
pesticides should not smoke eat or drink while working
- Do not use mouth to siphon a pesticide from the
container.
Storage of Pesticides
Proper storage of pesticides will protect the health
and well being of people, help protect against environmental
contamination and protect the chemical shelf life.
Attention must be paid to the following criteria:
- The storage warehouse must be located away from
highly populated area, from wells or domestic water storage
tanks and a well-drained land.
- The site should be accessible from all sides, to
help fire fighting.
- The storage buildings should be made of
non-combustible materials.
- The flooring should be of cement and should have a
slope to drain off any spillage.
- A wash basin with running water and emergency shower
should be placed in a suitable area.
- Warming signs in local languages should be placed on
the outside of all walls of the warehouse.
- Roof should be leak proof and the material should be
handled with care.
- The stores must be well lit. The electrical fittings
should be sound and must be properly earthed.
Transportation
To
ensure safe handling and transportation of pesticides the
following points need to be taken into consideration.
- The best type of vehicle is the open type such as
pick up truck.
- Wettable powers and dust formulation in paper
containers should be protected from rain.
- Avoid puncturing or tearing paper containers when
handling them during loading or unloading or storing.
Education from every sector have a unique role to play as it is
only through join efforts of the crop protection specialists and
the medical profession that will make the scheme a success and
bring out awareness among the general public.
The private sector has also an important role in relation to
enforcement. An enlightened advice from the private sector on
the release of a new pesticide is important. The need of the
hour is co-ordination of the efforts by all agencies concerned
with the safe effective use of pesticides. May
2007
Courtesy:
DIPR, Nagaland |
