UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Lots Of Folks Who Apply Pesticides To Their Lawns, Landscapes, Trees And Gardens Know Just Enough About The Use Of Chemicals To Be Dangerous, Worries An Expert In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences.

And the danger that they pose is primarily to themselves.

"Most people are aware that they should protect themselves when using pesticides," says Rick Johnson, urban specialist for Penn State's Pesticide Education Program. "But too often the protection they choose just puts them at more risk."

Take the two most common and effective forms of protection people can use --gloves and masks. If you are applying a liquid pesticide and you wear the wrong kind of gloves and mask, Johnson points out, you can concentrate the pesticide and actually increase the risk of exposure.

"Ninety percent of all pesticide exposures are through the skin," he says. "Cotton or leather gloves never should be used when applying pesticides. Those materials absorb liquid pesticides and concentrate the chemicals next to the skin where they might be absorbed. Nitril, butyl or neoprene gloves provide the best protection against pesticide exposure."

Even gloves made from the most protective materials should be checked frequently for holes by filling them with water. Any gloves that leak should be discarded. After handling pesticides, gloves should be washed thoroughly with soap and water prior to removal.

Dust masks may be protective when using dry pesticides, but never wear a dust mask when mixing or applying liquids, warns Johnson. "Splashed or spilled liquids or vapors can be absorbed by a dust mask, concentrating the chemical and actually increasing exposure for the wearer," he says. "A respirator would be a better choice." When handling pesticides, Johnson suggests taking a number of other precautions to protect oneself, such as wearing long sleeves, long pants or coveralls and unlined rubber boots.

For more information about protection while using pesticides, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county or visit the Web at http://www.pested.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Rick Johnson at 814-865-8080 or by e-mail at rhj3@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877