Protecting Yourself From The Effects Of Pesticides

As we discussed in the previous blog, exposure to pesticides, especially prolonged exposure can be very hazardous to health. What ways can we limit our exposure to pesticides? There are a number of things we can do to protect ourselves if we have to use pesticides in or around our home.

Protect you skin. You may be thinking that this is an obvious first step, but its essential to make sure we have the right kind of protective clothing. Wearing long sleeve shirts and gloves. When using leather gloves, be aware that pesticide will remain on the leather. If you repeatedly use them, you will keep exposing yourself to the pesticide every time. The only way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to throw them away after handling the pesticide. Other leather items, such as straps on watches will also do the same, so you may decide not to wear these things when pesticide is being used.

Keep the area that you mixing or handling the chemical well ventilated. If possible, do this outside of your home. Keep the area of pesticide application ventilated really well after application also.

Another seemingly obvious tip also, but crucial non the less is always keep any type of pesticide out of the reach of children. It should also be labeled well.

There are certain types of plants that act as natural deterrents to various bugs and insects. You might want to try and plant some of these around your home. Preventative measures help lessen the need to use pesticides.

If you are considering building your own home, you could plan to use materials that actually act as deterrents for pests like termites. This again is a good preventative step.

So as we have seen this month, we can take measures to limit exposure when using pesticides. Please contact us if you would like more information.