Pesticide Safety

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Toxicity
3. Pesticides Toxic To Bees and Other Animals
4. Residues on Fruits and Vegetables
5. Responsibility Of The User
6. Storage
7. Pesticide Safety
8. Related Links

Introduction

All pesticides have been thoroughly tested for toxicity and environmental impact and are considered safe when used according to label instructions. Pesticides which include the word Domestic on the label have been formulated specifically for use in home gardens. They are the only ones that may be legally sold to the home gardener, and they contain no highly toxic chemicals.

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Toxicity

When determining the toxicity of a pesticide, three factors are considered: the active ingredient, the concentration of this ingredient, and the substance used to dilute the ingredient. The toxicity level assigned to each product is based on extensive research on its hazards to humans, domestic animals and wildlife. As well, all products must be approved and registered by Health Canada before they can be sold in this country.

This includes approval of any text printed on the product label.

Poison symbols on the label indicate the toxicity in diminishing order:

All liquid pesticides containing more than 10% petroleum distillates must carry the Danger-Poison symbol regardless of the toxicity of the active ingredient. A poison symbol is not required for products of low toxicity.

Pesticides can be used safely if all of the instructions on the label are followed. These include precautions, first aid (where applicable), disposal of empty containers, rate of application and the plants on which the product may be used. Some products have part of the directions on an attached pamphlet or on the carton in which the bottle is packed. Keep the pamphlet or carton with the product.

Several manufacturers may sell the same pesticide, but their labels may not necessarily carry the same information concerning recommended plants and crops. Before you buy a pesticide, read the label to determine whether the intended use is mentioned. It is only safe to apply a chemical on a fruit or vegetable if the label gives directions for that specific crop.

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Pesticides Toxic To Bees and Other Animals

Honeybees are important for the pollination of fruit trees, raspberries, strawberries, cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkins, peas, beans and many ornamental plants. Their presence in your garden is therefore important. Do NOT apply insecticides to fruits and vegetables in bloom. The Bees Act makes it an offence to do so. When insecticide treatment is necessary on an ornamental plant that flowers over a long period, spray or dust in the late evening when bees are not visiting the flowers.

Many pesticides are also toxic to fish, so care must be exercised to prevent them from getting into streams or decorative landscape ponds. After spraying, rinse the sprayer thoroughly with water and apply rinse water to the treated area.

Bacillus thuringiensis is harmless to bees, while rotenone and many fungicides are generally of less potential harm to beneficial insects, animals, and people than insecticides.

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Residues on Fruits and Vegetables

Pesticides applied at the recommended rate will take a certain number of days to breakdown into harmless residues. The number of days required between the last application and harvest provide reasonable assurance that the food is safe for consumption. If an overdose is applied, the waiting period is prolonged, although not necessarily in proportion to the amount of the overdose. Pesticides can also damage or kill plants if applied in excess of the recommended rate.

Very low pesticide residues are legally permitted on fruits and vegetables and are called pesticide tolerances. Each pesticide has a specific tolerance on each crop for which it was registered. Excessive pesticide residues can result from not waiting the required number of days to harvest after the application, or from using chemicals at rates exceeding the recommended dosage on the label. Adding extra quantities for "good measure" increases the risk of excessive residues being left on food produced in your garden.

As an additional safety precaution, always wash or peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, and discard the outside leaves of vegetables such as cabbage and lettuce.

No-Spray Interval

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Responsibility Of The User

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Storage

Keep pesticides out of reach of children and pets. Store them in a locked cupboard away from food, medicine, animal feeds, and cleaning compounds.

Always store pesticides in their original containers, and keep the containers tightly closed. Place them in an area where they are protected from freezing or excessive heat. Store volatile herbicides separately from other pesticides.

Dispose of pesticides which are no longer required. Dispose of containers which are unmarked, corroded or damaged.

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Pesticide Safety

• Buy and use only a pesticide with a Domestic label. Do not use a product marked Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial or Restricted.
• Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully. Pay attention to any symbols indicating poison, flammable or explosive products.
• Store pesticides in a locked place, out of reach of children and pets. Do not leave pesticide containers unguarded while spraying. Never transfer the contents to an unlabelled container.
• Apply pesticides only when needed; apply only to the crops listed on the label; and always use the proper application equipment.
• Do not use higher rates than recommended, and always measure the quantity. Do not use milk bottles, soft drink bottles or kitchen utensils for measuring.
• Observe the no-spray interval before harvest for each edible crop.
• To avoid drift, do not spray while windy. Early morning or evening are usually the best times because conditions are calmer.
• Discard empty pesticide containers with the garbage.
• Do not leave pesticide residues in the sprayer; wash them out after use.
• Never eat, drink or smoke while applying pesticides.
• Avoid inhaling sprays or dusts. Always wear protective clothing if the label calls for them.
• If dust or sprays are spilled on clothing or skin, remove clothing immediately and wash contaminated skin with warm soapy water. Clothing should be washed separately from other clothes.
• Wash hands and face after applying pesticides and before eating or smoking.

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Related Links

• Pesticide Application and Safety
• Master Gardeners
• Landscape Ontario

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