Spills and splashes of pesticide during application preparation or during cleanup of spraying equipment may seem insignificant.

However, because farmers are routinely exposed to higher levels of pesticides than the average consumer, it’s critical to know the steps to take to help prevent exposure. Pesticides that are highly toxic to humans increase the risk of serious accidental poisoning.

Symptoms of pesticide exposure may include minor skin irritation or other allergic-type reactions. More severe symptoms may include strong headache, dizziness or nausea. Some pesticides can cause convulsions, coma and possibly death.

“Always follow the requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) listed on the product label,” Jan Hygnstrom, University of Nebraska Extension, Pesticide Safety Education Program, says. “That information is for your safety and is also a legal requirement for using a pesticide. Respirators are required when a pesticide can be harmful if inhaled.”

Examples of risk for inhaling pesticide include when mixing pesticide products or from drift during application. A product label lists the minimum type of respiratory protection required when using it. However, users may use a respirator that provides a higher degree of protection.

In selecting the appropriate respirator, review the respirator label to ensure it has been certified by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) to meet the standards required for use with the pesticide.

“Two main respirator categories are air-purifying and atmospheresupplying,” Hygnstrom says. “Airpurifying respirators are more commonly used in handling pesticides. They filter the surrounding air by using filters to protect against particulates, or cartridges and canisters to protect against gases. Atmosphere supplying respirators have a tank or line that supplies clean air, and may be required for fumigation activities.”

NIOSH-certified respirators have been significantly tested to ensure their effectiveness when used according to directions.

“The one-strap dust masks are not considered to be respirators,” Hygnstrom says. “Typically, one size fits all but usually doesn’t fit very well. Air can easily penetrate under the sides of the mask. They are not approved for use with pesticides.”

To ensure selection of the appropriate respirator, consult your local Extension Office.

“Anyone using a respirator should have a medical evaluation and a fit test to determine if they would be at risk while using a respirator,” Hygnstrom says.

Seal checks help determine whether the respirator facepiece is properly positioned to protect the user from inhalation exposure. It’s possible that between removal, cleaning and storage the respirator may change shape and not fit the same. In addition, someone may put the respirator on incorrectly when in a hurry.

A good practice is to check the seal every time the respirator is used. Two common ways to check the seal are either a positive seal or negative seal check.

“Facial hair, like beards and sideburns, interferes with the seal,” Hygnstrom says.

Respirators are not meant to be shared with others. After each use, the reusable respirator should be cleaned and properly stored. Disposable respirators should be properly discarded. Maintenance and storage information is included with the respirator and should be carefully observed.

The service life of a respirator is affected by elements such as:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Work of the user

• Chemical concentration

• Types of chemicals to which the respirator is exposed

• Extensive exposure to organic vapors over a short period of time

Many respirator manufacturers offer an online calculator to help determine the service life of their respirator products. To help ensure your respirator remains effective, document the date of use and track the amount of time the respirator cartridges and particulate filters have been used. A sample log is available at the University of Nebraska’s Safe Operating Procedure “Respiratory Protection – Air Purifying Respirators Cartridge Change Schedule” at http://ehs.unl.edu/sop/RPP_SOP_Cartridge_Change_Log.pdf.

When using a respirator that filters out dusts and mists, change the disposable particulate filter mask or filter on a reusable respirator when breathing becomes difficult, or if the filter is torn, damaged, or wet.

“You should move to a safe area and immediately replace chemical cartridges or canisters if you can smell pesticide odors when using the respirator,” Hygnstrom says. “If no time limit is given by the manufacturer, replace the filter or cartridge after it has had eight hours of use, even if you can’t smell or taste pesticide odors and the filter seems in good condition.”

If there is any question about when a filter, or cartridge was last used, or if the total hours of use have not been recorded, replace it.

“When in doubt, replace,” Hygnstrom says. “Start and maintain a log for the new filters or cartridges. Your well-being depends on healthy lungs. Those extra minutes spent protecting them from risks such as dust, welding fumes and chemicals may add years to your life.”