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Pesticides
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| 28-minute training video distributed by Moxie Media designed to provide training to emergency response personnel who may be called upon to respond to a leak, spill or a fire involving this hazardous chemical. | ||||
| "Pesticides" is part of the HazChem Series | ||||
| About
pesticides The Environmental Protection Agency reports that there are thousands of different pesticides worldwide and estimates that over 300 pesticide ingredients are used by farmers in this country alone. Although pesticides benefit the population by reducing rodent-borne diseases and improving crop yields, pesticides are frequently classified as hazardous materials. The health hazard to humans exposed to some pesticides, even short term, can be deadly and health officials are still assessing effects of long-term exposure to various pesticides including the notorious Agent Orange. For the environment, a pesticide incident can be just as deadly. The recent metam sodium spill in the Sacramento River in California is an example of pesticides destroying the entire ecosystem of a river. About the film The program covers the flammability, health and reactivity hazard properties of pesticides, explaining that problems may be caused either by inert ingredients within the pesticide or by the active ingredient itself. Common symptoms of exposure to toxic pesticides are listed, and medical operations for victims of pesticide poisoning are suggested. The film covers EPA labeling and communication systems in detail, explaining what is and what is not required on pesticide labels and teaching the meaning of signal words. DOT placarding is also discussed, with the warning that all hazards may not be indicated and that loads of less than 1000 lbs need not be placarded at all. |
"Pesticides" gives valuable help to incident
commanders in dealing with an emergency involving a pesticide. Priorities
are outlined, and suggestions are made about where to find information
on different pesticides. The program also discusses the factors involved
in deciding whether to let a fire involving pesticides burn out, and
how and where to mount an attack against fire. Other topics covered
include extinguishing agents, evacuation versus protect in place, selecting
personal protection compatible with the pesticide, avoiding contaminated
run-off, decontamination, and clean-up responsibilities. (28 minutes)
About the HazChem Series HazChem films have been the winners of numerous awards for both filmmaking excellence and technical content. Among the honors received by HazChem programs are the prestigious Cine Golden Eagle award, the Society for Technical Communication Award of Excellence, the Telly Award, and the Silver Apple Award from the National Education Film and Video Festival. |
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