The majority of all pesticide accidents can be avoided by storing chemicals in safe, secure, designated and properly posted areas. Children might explore and sample leftovers, especially if the chemicals are in different or unlabeled containers. Animals can be poisoned if pesticide leftovers, such as sacks that contained insecticide, are carelessly left in old buildings or fields. Dumping unused chemicals can damage the environment and even endanger lives and wildlife. Most people consider application the most dangerous time for using toxic pesticides, but application problems are expected to happen.
Applicators are more careful, aware and prepared for problems.
Actually, the majority of pesticide accidents happen before and after application when farmers and applicators are not expecting trouble. Empty containers are accidentally tossed into creeks, pens or sheds. Leftovers are dumped at the end of each job. New supplies are stored where convenient. At times like these, pesticides get stored or disposed of anywhere but where they should be.