CHEMICALS

Chemicals have an important role in land management and protecting plants from damage caused by insect, pests, weeds or disease. Chemicals consist of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and pest animal baits. Chemical agents such as fungicides and insecticides are used to control organisms (e.g., fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, and rodents) or viruses.

Chemicals are classified as follows by application target.

A Insecticides	Agents for controlling harmful insect pests that damage field crops.
B Fungicides	Agents for controlling diseases that damage field crops.
C Insect-fungicides	Agents that simultaneously control harmful insect pests and diseases that damage field crops.
D Herbicides	Agents for controlling weeds
E Rodenticides	Agents for controlling rats and other rodents
F Plant growth regulators	Agents to promote or inhibit the growth of field crops.
G Attractants	Agents that attract mainly harmful insect pests by odor or other means.
H Repellents	Agents for having repellent action on harmful mammals and birds that damage field crops.
I Spreaders	Agents that are mixed with other agricultural chemicals to enhance the adherence of these chemicals.

To protect yourself from chemical exposure, you need to understand the ways in which chemicals can enter your body.  Chemicals can enter through the nose by breathing in dusts or fumes, the mouth by swallowing, through the skin or eyes causing rashes or burns. The skin could become red and itchy, and blisters may form. Eye redness and soreness can be caused from splashing a chemical in the eyes or rubbing the eyes with a hand or clothing that has chemicals on it. Skin rashes and eye irritation can become serious injuries and need to be treated by a doctor.

Safe practices for handling Chemicals are as follows; Wear protective clothing, wash protective clothing such as gloves and boots, before taking them off. Wash work clothes separately from other laundry, using detergent and hot water, before wearing them again. Wash hands and arms after putting work clothes into the wash. Shower with soap and water, and shampoo your hair after work each day. Always wash face and hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet.

Do you wear Personal Protective Equipment when using chemicals?