Pesticide Safety & Handling Flashcards

After an accidental pesticide splash to the eyes, the correct first aid procedure is to:

Answer: Flush immediately with clean water for 15–20 minutes

Immediate flushing with large amounts of water for 15–20 minutes removes the chemical before it can cause serious damage.

Which factor MOST increases the likelihood of a pesticide leaching into groundwater?

Answer: Sandy, low-organic soil with high rainfall

Sandy soils have low adsorption capacity and high permeability, and excess rainfall moves pesticides rapidly downward toward groundwater.

The term 'signal word' on a pesticide label indicates:

Answer: The relative acute toxicity of the product to humans

Signal words (Caution, Warning, Danger) communicate the level of acute hazard a pesticide poses to humans.

A respirator with an organic vapor cartridge is required when handling a pesticide that is:

Answer: A highly volatile liquid concentrate with inhalation hazard warnings

Organic vapor cartridges are needed when a pesticide volatilizes and creates airborne chemical vapors that could be inhaled.

When disposing of empty pesticide containers, which step is required by most state regulations BEFORE recycling or disposal?

Answer: Triple rinsing or pressure rinsing the container

Triple rinsing or pressure rinsing removes residues so containers can be safely handled and disposed of or recycled.

What information on a pesticide label tells the applicator the specific pests the product is legally approved to control?

Answer: The directions for use section listing target pests and crops

The directions for use section specifies the pests, sites, and application methods that are legally permitted under the label.

Applicators working in hot weather are at increased risk of pesticide poisoning primarily because:

Answer: Sweating and increased skin blood flow enhance dermal absorption

Sweating increases skin permeability and blood flow to the skin surface, significantly accelerating dermal absorption of pesticides.