HANDLE WITH CARE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29897, 10 August 1962, Page 6

HANDLE WITH CARE

Spray Materials Are Dangerous The home gardener finds himself resorting more and more to the use of sprays in the garden to control pests, diseases and to kill weeds Rhe sprays, collected, become numerous as a container is rarely ever completely used at one time, so that bottles and Uns accumulate.

Manv that are in common use are poisonous, and these noisons act in different ways. They need not be swallowed to cause illness, as some can be absorbed through the skin. Whenever buying sprays read the labels carefully and always follow the makers’ instructions.

Store on a high shelf or. oreferably. in a locked cupboard so that thev are out of the reach of children.

Don't store where the labels can peel off due to dampness or where they can become illegible. If this should happen dispose of the container so as not to run any undue risks. Empty or unwanted Uns and botles should not be disposed of with normal garbage Jr left lying about—bury them.

During spraying operations wear protective clothing wherever possible, and rubber gloves should always be worn, even though the spray may not be labelled as poisonous. If sprays are spilt on the skin always wash immediately with plenty of soar and water, and always wash he hands after applying any spray. It is advisable not to use household implements either to store or measure out the sprays. Cordial bottles, milkbottles, cups and spoons are often used, and it is easy to forget about them and leave them lying about with the risk that they may be used in the preparation of food Keep one set of utensils foi measurement, mark them distinctively and store away with the sprays, out of reach and. preferably, locked away Perhaps all this seems obvious. yet it is surprising how often these simple precautions are forgotten. One sees some very silly things done in connexion with sprays. I once saw someone applying an araentdcal spray when the nozzle became blocked. The operator unscrewed it and put it into his mouth to blow through it in order to clear the blockage! Even though spray materials are not marked poisonous, treat them with respect. Never handle them foolishly. Some persons are more sensitive than others, and even non-poisonous substances can cause 'ermatitis. hay fever or asthma to those who are allergic to them.