Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023 - 131

PESTICIDE SPILLS
Keep a supply of absorbent on hand to scatter over liquid
spills in the storage room. Sawdust or janitorial sweeping compound
works well in absorbing the liquids in a cleanup. Use a
respirator and rubber gloves to clean up spills; cover the contaminated
surface with household lye, trisodium phosphate, or liquid
detergent. Let it soak a couple of hours and reabsorb the solution
from the floor. This procedure is recommended for cleaning
truck beds that are contaminated. Specific information concerning
pesticide cleanup can be obtained by calling the manufacturer
directly. The phone numbers for emergencies are listed on
every product label. Information can also be obtained by calling
CHEMTREC at 800/424-9300. Report pesticide spills to the
proper state agency. See back cover for telephone numbers.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES FOR
PESTICIDES
For many toxic chemicals, inhalation is one of the quickest
routes of entry into the circulatory system. From the blood capillaries
of the lungs, these toxic substances are rapidly transported
throughout the body.
Respiratory protective devices vary in design, use, and protective
capability. In selecting a respirator, the user must first
consider the degree of hazard associated with breathing the toxic
substance, and then understand the specific uses and limitations
of the available equipment. Select a respirator that is designed
for the intended use, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions
concerning the use and maintenance of that particular
respirator. Different respirators may be needed for application of
different chemicals or groups of chemicals. Select only equipment
approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH). The NIOSH approval numbers begin with
the letters TC. NOTE: The label will specify which respirator is
needed for that particular pesticide.
TYPES OF RESPIRATORS
Respiratory protective devices can be categorized into three
classes: air-purifying, supplied-air, and self-contained. Because
most pesticide contaminants can be removed from the atmosphere
by air-purifying devices, we will look at these in greatest
detail.
Air-purifying devices include chemical cartridge respirators,
mechanical filters, gas masks (also referred to as canister
filter respirators), and battery powered respirators. They can be
used only in atmospheres containing sufficient oxygen to sustain
life.
* Chemical cartridge respirators provide respiratory protection
against certain gases and vapors in concentrations not
greater than 0.1% by volume, provided that this concentration
does not exceed an amount that is immediately
dangerous to life and health. They are for use only when
exposure to high continual concentrations of pesticide is
unlikely, such as when mixing pesticides outdoors. They
are available either as halfmasks, covering only the nose
and mouth, or as full-facepiece respirators for both respiratory
and eye protection.
2023 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
* Mechanical filter respirators (dust masks) provide respiratory
protection against particulate matter such as mists,
metal fumes, and nonvolatile dusts. They are available
either as disposable or reusable halfmasks that cover
the nose and mouth, or as reusable full-facepieces. Dust
masks should never be used when mixing or applying
liquids because splashed or spilled liquids, or pesticide vapors
can be absorbed by the mask.
* Many respiratory protective devices are combinations of
chemical cartridge and mechanical filter (prefilter) respirators.
These can provide respiratory protection against both
gases and particulate matter.
* Full-face piece respirators provide respiratory protection
against particulate matter, and/or against certain specific
gases and vapors, provided that their concentration does
not exceed an amount that is immediately dangerous to
life and health. Gas masks, like full-facepieces, cover the
eyes, nose, and mouth, but will last longer than cartridges
when continuously exposed to some pesticides. A gas
mask will not, however, provide protection when the air
supply is low. A special respirator with a self-contained air
supply should be worn in these situations.
* Battery powered air-purifying respirators equipped with
pesticide filters/cartridges are also effective in filtering
out pesticide particles and vapors. They are available as
halfmasks, full-face masks, hoods, and protective helmets,
and are connected by a breathing hose to a battery powered
filtration system. This type of filtration system has
the additional advantage of cooling the person wearing it.
But, like other air purifying devices, this system does not
supply oxygen and must be worn only when the oxygen
supply is not limited.
Chemical cartridge respirators protect against light concentrations
of certain organic vapors. However, no single type
of cartridge is able to remove all kinds of chemical vapors. A
different type of chemical cartridge (or canister) must be used
for different contaminants. For example, cartridges and canisters
that protect against certain organic vapors differ chemically from
those that protect against ammonia gases. Be sure that the cartridge
or canister is approved for the pesticide you intend to use.
Cartridge respirators are not recommended for use against chemicals
that possess poor warning properties. Thus, the user's senses
(smell, taste, irritation) must be able to detect the substance at
a safe level if cartridge respirators are to be used correctly.
The effective life of a respirator cartridge or canister depends
on the conditions associated with its use-such as the type
and concentration of the contaminants, the user's breathing rate,
and the humidity. Cartridge longevity is dependent on its gas and
vapor adsorption capacity. When the chemical cartridge becomes
saturated, a contaminant can pass through the cartridge, usually
allowing the user to smell it. At this point, the cartridge must
be changed immediately. There are times when the mechanical
prefilter also needs to be changed. A prefilter should be replaced
whenever the respirator user feels that breathing is becoming
difficult. Dispose of all spent cartridges to avoid their being used
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Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023

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