Pesticides are essential to modern agriculture.
When used correctly, results are gratifying and of tremendous benefits, but pesticides used carelessly or incorrectly can result in economic loss, sickness or even death. The greatest hazard in the use of pesticides is to the applicator - the one who actually opens the container of concentrated or formulated material, mixes it, and applies it to the target area. Unfortunately, he may be the one who is least concerned, either because of a lack of information or because he has become complacent from repeated use. It is essential and now required by law that pesticide workers not only know the effectiveness of chemicals in controlling pests but also the potential health hazard involved in their use. Very toxic pesticides can be used safely but one must know how to use them.