EU CBRN CoE Project 61

ISEM
Sound Management of Chemicals
and their Associated Wastes
INSTITUTE
in Southeast Asia
Funded by the European Union SEACHEM
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

Human and environmental effects

of mismanaged chemicals
and their associated wastes

FARMERS

This Project is implemented by

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals
and their Associated Wastes
in Southeast Asia
SEACHEM ISEM
INSTITUTE
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

Chemicals are used in every sphere of life and their production increased rapidly
in recent years. Growing knowledge of the impact of chemicals on humans and the
environment has highlighted the need for their careful management.

Pesticides, also known as agricultural chemicals, are highly effective in helping

farmers to do a better job, but improper use can cause harmful effects to human and
environment. They include:

• herbicides to kill weeds,

• fungicides to get rid of diseases and

• insecticides to kill bugs.

• rodenticides to kill rodents including mice and rats.

Pesticides or plant protection products are used to:

• influence how much the plants grow;

• kill or prevent the growth of undesired plants;

• protect plants against pests and diseases;

• preserve plant products;

Environmental effects of pesticides

The application of pesticides can also has a negative impact on the environment.
This is particularly the case where large-scale application of pesticides by aerial
spraying causes contamination of areas outside the target of application. The use
of pesticides can contaminate soil and water resources in particular, which can also
poses a significant risk to non-target organisms such as insects, plants, fish or birds.

Health effects of pesticides

Pesticides are toxic and every day exposure can cause health complications. Exposure
can occur in agriculture, gardening or pest control by application of pesticides and
insufficient protection of eyes, respiratory systems or the body surface.

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

Toxicity of pesticides is acute and long term

Acute toxicity can cause harmful or lethal effects after one single incident of
ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. The symptoms are evident shortly after exposure
or can arise within 48 hours and could be present such as:
• respiratory tract irritation,
• abdominal pain,
• dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting,
• skin and eye problems
• extreme weakness, seizures or death.

Long term toxicity continuous or repeated low doses can cause serious health
problems such as:
• asthma,
• cancer, including leukaemia,
• attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder,
• abdominal pain,
• infertility.

Storage of pesticides
Proper pesticide storage is important to protect people, animals, and the pesticide
itself. To reduce exposures to pesticides in storage the following rules apply:

• Use original container with appropriate labeling and safety cards of products,
where disposal direction, ingredients names and emergency information are
written,
• DO NOT store in unlabeled bottles
• Store all pesticides in well-ventilated locations and preferably locked,
• Keep pesticides away from food, animal feed and flames,
• Choose a location away from ponds, streams and drinking water wells,
• Follow requirements for temperature storage conditions.

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 Human and environmental effects of mismanaged
chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

Safety precautions
• Use only licensed and approved pesticide products,

• If possible, store small amounts of pesticide in one location,

• Buy only what you need,

• Prepare the right amount of pesticide mixture you require each day,

• Use appropriate protection when working with pesticides (e.g. coveralls, mask,
eye protection, chemical resistant gloves etc.

• Dispose of unwanted pesticides properly rather then storing them.

Disposal of pesticides
Pesticides need to be disposed of properly to prevent accidents and to protect the
environment. If you have unwanted pesticide products, store them safely and dispose
of them as soon as you can.

• Dispose of pesticides as instructed on the product label,

• Containers need to be disposed of as hazardous waste as they may contain

poisonous pesticide residues,

• If you have unwanted pesticides ensure these are taken to an appropriate place
for disposal

• Do not pour rinse water into any drain or on any site not listed on the product
label; it could contaminate the environment,

• Transport straight to the collection site once you have loaded your vehicle. Drive
carefully!

EMERGENCY CALL NUMBERS

POLICE: 191
AMBULANCE: 1669
FIRE FIGHTERS: 199
GENERAL EMERGENCY NUMBER: 191

EU CBRN CoE Project 61

Sound Management of Chemicals and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia - SEACHEM
 EU CBRN CoE Project 61
Sound Management of Chemicals
and their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia
SEACHEM

www.cbrn-project61.com

Human and environmental effects of mismanaged

chemicals and their associated wastes

FARMERS

ISEM
INSTITUTE
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

ISEMI graphic art work