Bronson urges safe storage and disposal of checmicals
This week is National Poison Prevention Week

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging people to think 'safety' when doing spring cleaning and yard work.

As warmer weather approaches, many people will be using lawn chemicals or throwing out leftover pesticides and fertilizers stored in their garage. Chemicals can be dangerous if they are not properly stored and disposed of or if adverse conditions affect these chemicals or their containers. Correct handling of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers can decrease the potential danger of accidental poisonings and contamination

National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, was created to highlight the dangers of poisoning and how to prevent it. One study shows that about 70,000 children were involved in common household pesticide-related poisonings or exposures in 2004.

Labels for pesticide and fertilizer products are required to include information about proper storage and disposal and consumers should refer to the labels. But in some cases, the labels may have worn off by the time the product is ready to be thrown out.

"Improper storage can, at the very least make a product less effective," Bronson said. "But more importantly, many products can be hazardous to children, pets and the environment if they are not stored and disposed of properly."

TIPS FOR SAFE STORAGE:

Do not stockpile chemicals. Buy only the amount you need.

Follow label storage instructions and never remove a label.

Store completely out of reach of children and pets, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Always store in their original containers, never transfer them to other containers (especially soda bottles, which children might mistake for a drink).

Write the date of purchase on the container so older material can be used first.

Never mix leftover materials. There is a possibility they could react with each other and ignite or explode.

Do not store in places where flooding is possible.

Store pesticides and fertilizers away from paints, solvents and fuels.

Do not reuse containers

TIPS FOR PROPER DISPOSAL:

It is best to dispose of pesticides and fertilizers per label instructions.

If leftover pesticides or fertilizers cannot be used, check with the local trash pickup provider to find out if there is a household hazardous waste collection program or site for getting rid of unwanted chemicals.

Do not pour leftover pesticides into a sink, toilet, sewer or street drain. Pesticides may interfere with the operation of wastewater treatment systems or pollute waterways. Many municipal systems are not equipped to remove all pesticide residues. If pesticides reach waterways, they may harm fish, plants, and other living things.

Some product containers should also not be thrown in the regular trash because of the possibility of injuring sanitation workers or contaminating the soil. Some, but not all, empty pesticide containers are regulated as solid waste and can be disposed of in the trash. Again, check the label before taking any action.

Empty containers from liquid pesticides that can be thrown in the household trash should be triple rinsed. Fill the container about one-fourth full, secure the cover and shake. Pour the rinse water into the sprayer tank, not down a sink. Repeat this two more times. Apply the rinse water according to label directions. Paper or cardboard containers should be shaken and inspected to remove all pesticides.

"Products used in the home can be very helpful in eradicating disease carrying insects," Bronson said. "But people need to remember that common, everyday products can be just as deadly is largescale amounts when ingested or when children or pets are improperly exposed."

To find the nearest location to drop off your unwanted pesticides call 1-800- CLEANUP or visit http://www.Earth911.org. People who think someone may have been poisoned can call 1- 800-222-1222 to be connected to a poison control center.