All pesticides must be considered potentially toxic to humans and animals. The hazard in the use of pesticide materials lies in failure to follow precautions and directions for use as indicated on the label or unexpected accidents such as the bursting of spray hoses, breakage or rusting of pesticide containers and careless storage or improper disposal of containers.
Skin absorption is the most common route of exposure for the sprayman.
Open lesions in the skin or conditions of dermatitis, as well as higher temperatures, enhance the absorption of pesticides. Dermal exposure from pesticides is often prolonged and magnified because in normal spraying operations the applicator may delay the self decontamination procedures, may wear the same clothing beyond one day's use without laundering, or may use inadequate procedures to remove contamination from the skin and clothing. Exposure to some pesticides, particularly the organophosphates, destroys important enzymes in the nervous system. Repeated exposure may, without producing symptoms, progressively increase susceptibility to poisoning. You should get medical advice quickly if you or your fellow workers have unusual or unexplained symptoms while at work or later in the day.