Government Law Newsroom

Both The Environment And Human Health Are Susceptible To The Adverse Effects Of Pesticide Exposure

Pesticides are poisons!

Both the environment and human health are susceptible to the adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Take care at all times when handling, using and disposing of pesticides.

Ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet from the supplier or manufacturer of the pesticide you are to use. These data sheets contain information on the proper handling and use of the pesticide, as well as toxicity and first-aid information.

First Aid
If pesticides are swallowed:

Follow the first-aid directions on the label.
Seek immediate medical attention.
If pesticides are spilled on the skin:

Follow the first-aid directions on the label - or immediately wash with soap and water.  Remove pesticide-contaminated clothes immediately - wash them separately from other clothes.  Monitor for symptoms of poisoning - if in any doubt, seek immediate medical attention.  If pesticides come in contact with the eyes, wash with copious amounts of water.

Pesticides (including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) are useful products. However, they can harm human health and the environment. It is important to use all pesticides correctly and to deal with pesticide wastes, such as surplus pesticides and pesticide containers, in an environmentally sound manner.

This guide outlines the correct handling and disposal procedures for small quantities of pesticide waste from household use.

Minimising disposal
The best way to minimise pesticide disposal is to minimise pesticide use.

Before buying pesticides, identify the pest or pests to be controlled and decide whether using pesticides is necessary. Many insects commonly found around the home are beneficial to the environment, and most pests can be controlled using methods other than pesticides.

If it is necessary to use pesticides, choose the least hazardous and least persistent product available for the particular application.

Purchase the least amount of pesticide necessary for the particular application.

Minimise the number of articles, such as containers, funnels and stirrers used to prepare and apply the pesticide.

Do not use persistent organochlorine pesticides!

Persistent organochlorine pesticides are no longer permitted to be used in NSW  These pesticides were used extensively in the past because they were effective against a wide range of pests. However, these chemicals are not readily broken down in the environment and accumulate in humans and animals. They therefore have the potential to harm human health and the environment many years after application and it is an offence to use them.