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23 November, 2009

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Chemicals - coping with spray drift

Chemicals are used to control pests and diseases on farms, around the home and in gardens, parks and reserves. When chemicals are used, droplets are produced that can remain suspended in air and may be carried by wind away from the target area. This is referred to as ‘spray drift’.

Due to the nature of chemical spray drift, it can’t always be contained or controlled completely and may still occur despite correct application. These chemical sprays may drift over neighbouring properties or waterways and can affect human health, animals or the environment.

Health impacts of exposure vary
The potential health impacts of exposure to chemical spray drift include:
How close the person is to the application of the chemical
The amount of drift
The toxicity of the chemical.
If you think you have been exposed to chemical spray drift, there are a number of agencies you can contact for help.

Activities that can result in chemical spray drift
Chemicals can drift from their intended target area when:

Applying agricultural chemicals – such as pesticides to farms, gardens and roadside reserves. Chemicals may be sprayed using tractors and boom sprayers, or by aerial spraying using light planes.
Disinfecting animal houses – such as poultry sheds.
Fumigation of warehouses – for example, grainstores.

Public health concerns
Drifting chemicals can affect the public by causing:

Actual health effects – these are usually short term
Stress or anxiety about possible longer term health effects
Concerns about the smell or general air pollution.

What to do if you come into contact with chemical sprays
If you come into contact with chemical sprays:

Wash off any spray that has landed on your skin.
Change into clean, uncontaminated clothes.
Contact your local doctor if you are concerned about any effects on your health.
Contact the Poisons Information Centre for urgent advice about treating symptoms of poisoning.
If the chemical contact has occurred at your workplace, contact your local office of WorkSafe Victoria.
Contact your local council’s Environmental Health Officer for assistance with any further actions.

If you know which chemical you were exposed to, contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice. Ask them for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for that chemical.

Sprays and tank water
If you use tank water and chemical spray lands on your roof, disconnect the collection pipe from your rainwater tank to prevent any chemicals from entering the tank. Divert water away from the tank until it has rained or until the roof has been cleaned.

If you think your tank has been contaminated, contact your local council’s Environmental Health Officer for advice.

Inform the relevant agencies
If you are concerned that chemical sprays may be affecting public health, animals or the environment, you should inform the relevant agencies:

The Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at your local council – if you are concerned that the sprays may affect public health. For example, this would include people being directly exposed to spray drift or concern about spray drift affecting private drinking water.
The Regional Office of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Chemical Standards Branch – if you are concerned that the sprays may affect livestock or agriculture. For example, this might include concerns about spray drift affecting your organic produce.
The Regional Office of WorkSafe Victoria – if you are concerned about workplace practices that may affect the health of workers or the public on-site, or on adjoining properties. WorkSafe Victoria has the power to investigate occupational health issues that occur as a result of work activities.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – if you are concerned that the sprays may affect pollution of waterways, air or land. For example, this might include concerns about spray drift causing an odour problem or affecting a river or trees.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Environmental Health Unit – for advice on toxicity and related information about chemicals.

In an emergency
In an emergency, you can contact your local council, DPI, EPA, WorkSafe Victoria or the Department of Human Services directly through their 24-hour Emergency Response Services, or through the Police and Emergency Services – dial triple zero (000).

You can contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 for advice about personal exposure and appropriate first aid.

Preventing chemical drift if you are spraying chemicals
Before you spray chemicals, consider:

How close you are to houses, waterways and schools
Providing prior notification to dwellings adjoining the property being sprayed to enable neighbours to take preventative measures. The notification should include the type of chemical being used, when (date and appropriate time), steps taken to avoid spray drift and a contact number
Correct application – chemicals must be applied in accordance with labelling directions
The toxicity of the chemical you intend to use
The weather conditions – for example, don’t spray if it’s too windy or if it’s completely still
The size of the chemical droplets – how far will they drift?
Whether your application equipment is in good condition and is appropriate for local conditions
Whether it is the ideal season to spray. Some pests are resistant to chemicals at certain times of the year.

For advice about agricultural spray application methods, the Department of Primary Industries Chemical Standards website has information on reducing spray drift, ‘off-target damage’ and related risks. There is also a link to the Code of Practice for Farm Chemical Spray Application. You could also contact your local DPI office or DPI Regional Chemical Standards Officer for more information.

Disposing of chemical containers
Environmental contamination can occur if containers are not stored or disposed of correctly. For information about disposing of chemical containers, contact:

Your local council
The chemical supplier
ChemSafe – for the management of unwanted rural chemicals – on (02) 62304799 or by email on info@chemclear.com.au
Sustainability Victoria – Detox Your Home Program

Where to get help

Department of Primary Industries, Customer Service Centre Tel. 136 186
Your local council’s Environmental Health Officer
WorkSafe Victoria – General Enquiries Tel. 1800 136 089 or Emergency Response Service (24 hours) Tel. 132 360
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – your nearest office or All-hours Service Tel. (03) 9695 2777 or Regional Victoria Tel. 1800 444 004
ChemSafe Tel. (02) 62304799 www.chemclear.com.au
Sustainability Victoria, Detox Your Home Program Tel. 1800 353 233
DHS Environmental Health Tel. 1300 761 874 – for information on toxicology

Things to remember
There are a number of agencies you can contact if you have concerns about sprayed chemicals.
If you use chemicals, think about the steps you can take to reduce the risk of chemical drift.
Dispose of unwanted chemicals and chemical containers properly to avoid contaminating the environment. You might also be interested in:
Farm safety - handling animals.
Hazardous waste.
Pollution - air.
Workplace safety - hazardous substances.

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