Farmers
Improper handling and storage of pesticides can cost you your health and wellbeing!
Growing food drives agricultural business and helps put food on our family’s tables. But sometimes we forget the importance of self-precaution. While it may seem like the short-term benefits of improper handling and storage of pesticides far outweigh the dangers, you would be surprised to learn the long-term health risks can be greater than you thought.
Farmers
Improper handling and storage of pesticides can cost you your health and wellbeing!
Growing food drives agricultural business and helps put food on our family’s tables. But sometimes we forget the importance of self-precaution. While it may seem like the short-term benefits of improper handling and storage of pesticides far outweigh the dangers, you would be surprised to learn the long-term health risks can be greater than you thought.
POPs and Farmers
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. Adverse reproductive, developmental, behavioural, neurological, endocrine, and immunological health effects have all been linked to POPs.
POPs may be found in some agricultural pesticides, which are used mostly for the protection of livestock and crops from unwanted pests.
Whether you are on a farm spraying your crops or at the grocery store shopping for produce, you may be in contact with Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) including POPs and not even know it.
How Farmers are being affected by POPs
We get it. Pest control management is a major concern for all farmers since it can often be the difference between having a fruitful harvest or a poor one. But there are some pesticides that contain POPs and highly hazardous pesticides which can affect you and your family if not properly managed.
As a stakeholder in the farming community, it is important to understand the role you play in preventing the impacts of POPs on human health and the environment. Adverse health impacts that have been associated with chemical pesticides include dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine effects.
Danger lurks where you least expect it
Farmers, protect yourself!
Since pesticides are commonly used in gardens and agricultural lands, farmers, their families and neighbours risk developing serious health issues if they misuse or improperly store POP pesticides.
Follow these simple tips to protect yourself from POPs:
- Practice proper storage, use and removal of unwanted pesticide containers in order to avoid potential contamination. Practice triple rinse and puncture methods.
- Reduce usage of Highly Hazardous Pesticides or include safer alternatives like Integrated Pest Management.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to avoid inhalation or contact with Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).
- Avoid eating the same type of potentially contaminated food (treated continuously with the same pesticide) as this can increase susceptibility to associated health implications.
- Thoroughly rinse or clean farmed crops in order to avoid ingestion of pesticide residues.
- Ensure pesticides are stored in well secured areas with proper signage, ventilation and easy access to emergency contacts.
- Prevent unnecessary exposure when spraying crops with fertilizer or pesticide by following the dosage and manufacturer’s instructions.
Farmers, Reduce your exposure today!
Take a look at some of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can affect your health and well-being.
The proper use, storage, and disposal of Highly Hazardous Pesticides which may contain POPs are important for the protection of your workers, family and the environment around you.
By reducing your exposure to these pollutants, you are safeguarding yourself, taking an active role in the health of your loved ones and playing a greater role in the community at large by stopping these hazards before they can hurt others.
Farmers, take a look at some of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can affect your health and well-being?
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