A clean home, yard, and farm are often great sources of pride. However, many of the products used to achieve this level of cleanliness while fighting off pests, come with risks if not used safely.
Within the tool shed, one can find a variety of pesticides, cleaners, and hazardous chemicals, each with its own unique purpose. These substances, when used responsibly and safely, can aid in pest and weed management, safeguarding crops and ensuring a bountiful harvest. However, like two sides of a coin, they could come with hazards that require proper attention from users.
Sibusiso Masuku from Johannesburg, who works with fumigating farms, tool sheds, homes, offices, and gardens almost daily, highlights that the chemicals used for pest control can be very harmful to one’s health and thus require caution during use.
Depending on the type of products, he says he always wears protective clothing such as a mask, gloves, and safety boots. Sometimes a full hazmat suit is required, other times just gloves. He stresses the importance of always reading the labels on the products.
Learn to use it the right way
Arthur Mabunda from Limpopo, who started farming during the Covid-19 lockdown, initially faced challenges with pests destroying his garden. However, he sought guidance from an experienced farmer who taught him how to plant and use chemicals with caution and safety.
“When I started using chemicals, I sprayed unknowingly and was constantly unwell until I received guidance. I now understand the importance of reading the instructions before starting, wearing a mask and protective clothes, and washing the clothes immediately after use to make sure I am doing the right thing and protecting myself,” says Mabunda.
Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, the operations and stewardship manager at CropLife SA, stresses that safe and responsible usage of chemicals or pesticides begins with wearing the required personal protective equipment and reading the label of the product. He emphasises that minimising risk is crucial, especially when working with pesticides.
“One of the basic safety principles is that when chemicals are not being used, they should be locked away out of the reach of children and pets. When in use, it should only be you, yourself, your protective gear, and the chemical you are working with, with no one else around you,” advises Verdoorn.
“People should have an emergency number for poison incidents. In case of exposure to any chemical, they should immediately call the poison centre at 861 555 777. Everyone should have this number, ideally on the kitchen fridge where it is easily visible to everyone.”
Protect yourself
According to Johannesburg-based medical practitioner Dr Takudzwa Ngara, inhaled chemicals can cause respiratory distress and pneumonia; skin contact can lead to chemical burns or rashes; and orally ingested chemicals can result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and even multi-organ failure.
“Warning signs that someone has been exposed include, but are not limited to, confusion, excessive sweating, vomiting, or shortness of breath in otherwise healthy patients,” he explains.
Ngara warns that individuals should not attempt CPR on any patient unless they have proper barrier equipment.
“CPR should be avoided when exposed to hazardous chemicals because if both individuals get exposed, who will help? Instead, remove the patient’s clothes, hose them down with cold water (to prevent continued exposure), and rush them to the nearest hospital with the patient and the product container.
“Do not give the patient anything to drink, like milk or water. Eye contact should be irrigated with plenty of plain water.”
Dr Takudzwa Ngara
Moreover, he suggests that farmers should provide personal protective equipment to workers using pesticides or chemicals, including goggles, face masks, and full spray suits. He adds that workers should be rotated on spray duty, as prolonged exposure can cause permanent lung damage.
Keep it under lock and key
“The primary issue with industrial poisoning is that some people do not consider the chemicals as dangerous. They should be kept under lock and key to control access and stored high above the reach of small children and animals. Also, before people use chemicals, they should be educated to be careful and not take shortcuts. Some of these substances do not have an antidote, or the antidote is not always available,” he advises.
“Furthermore, more efforts should be made to introduce warning labels in indigenous languages (as those most likely to use them might not be fluent in English), and people should ensure that they have received some safety training and have knowledge of the products.”
Although these chemicals offer benefits that protect crops and households from pests, Ngara emphasises the importance of respecting the potential risks associated with these substances and prioritising safety measures.
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