For many, applying pesticides can be a routine task. But sometimes, unexpected events happen: a broken hose under pressure, a leaky tank, a hose popping off the backpack sprayer, or just blowback from the nozzles. When you are contaminated with pesticides, you need to quickly get cleaned up. I (Ray) know a producer that is blind today because of a hose leak when applying anhydrous ammonia. That day he had forgotten to bring along an eyewash bottle.

If someone has swallowed or inhaled a pesticide or gotten it in their eyes or on their skin, and the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having convulsions, then call 911. Always check the pesticide label for directions on first aid for that product. For help with first aid information, call the Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or National Pesticide Information Center (800) 858-7378.

If pesticides are inhaled, remove the individual to fresh air immediately. Loosen the victim’s tight clothing. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. Open doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by fumes. Seek medical attention.

It is a good idea to have a pesticide first aid kit handy and to bring it with you when making applications. Keep in mind that first aid is not intended as a replacement for care administered by professional medical personnel; rather, first aid is the initial effort to help a victim until professional medical help can be provided. A pesticide’s risk is a function of the toxicity of the material and a person’s exposure to the material.  Exposure can occur through the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, stomach, or lungs. But another aspect is the time of exposure; the quicker the exposure can be interrupted, the better the exposure can be limited.  Always check the label for pesticide-specific first aid procedures.

Components of a pesticide first aid kit:

Gloves – good all-purpose gloves, such as barrier laminate, to protect against a wide range of pesticides. Remember to protect yourself from pesticide exposure prior to and while giving assistance. Make sure you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator, before assisting someone in an enclosed area.

Coveralls – when a change of clothes are needed after contaminated clothes have been removed.

Liquid soap and clean water – a couple of gallons of clean water to decontaminate the victim. Avoid harsh scrubbing since this can increase pesticide absorption.

Saline eye-wash – hold the eyelid open and immediately begin gently washing the eye with clean running water or eye-wash solution. Continue washing for 15 minutes. Cover the eye with a clean piece of cloth and seek medical attention immediately. If contact lenses are worn, remove and discard the contacts before washing the eyes.

Disposable towels 

Syrup of ipecac – used only with ingestion of certain pesticides. Read the first aid statement on the pesticide label carefully. Induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel on the phone or the product label tells you to do so. Never try to administer anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Activated charcoal – used only with ingestion of certain pesticides when vomiting is not permitted. Read the first aid statement on the pesticide label carefully.

After giving first aid, call the emergency number listed on the label and/or the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. Have the pesticide label on hand when you call. ~ Ric Bessin, Kentucky Pest News