Safety as a Factor in the Development of Pest Control Programs

Abstract

This chapter reviews the pesticide safety in terms of the development of pest control or pest management programs. The development and use of integrated control by ecologically sound strategies will help to reduce and maintain pest losses to tolerable levels for many pest problems. The use of pesticides within urban areas will be continued at least for the present, if not at a higher level, to maintain healthful living conditions and protect food supplies. Thus, the potential for exposure of man both intentionally and accidentally is expected to increase and the need for improved safety practices will become greater to protect man and the environment. Another facet of pesticide management which will become increasingly troublesome is the disposal of empty pesticide containers and unusable pesticides. The packaging of solid pesticides in water-soluble containers in sizes which can be added directly to spray tanks without exposure to the operators is a move in the right direction.