Masks And Protection For Phytosanitary Treatment

Phytosanitary treatment (the full term is phytopharmaceutical) is the act of treating plants to reduce the development of diseases and pests. It involves using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other biological or synthetic products to treat plants. The use of these products is not trivial and providing phytosanitary protection is a matter of common sense.

Every year, many cases of poisoning occur, sometimes with serious consequences, ranging from temporary skin allergies to respiratory system irritation (asthma, difficulty breathing, etc.). Repeated exposure to phytosanitary products can lead to chronic poisoning with possible health consequences (cancer, child health, disruption of the reproductive system, etc.).

Caution must be exercised in all uses of chemical products and the use of EPI (individual protection equipment) must be remembered: Respiratory protection masks, gloves, chemical protection combinations, etc. These are very clearly marked on the product safety sheets.

Whether you are a farmer or a resident living near a treatment area (e.g. spraying), you should take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Wearing respiratory protection equipment is strongly recommended to protect against adverse effects associated with the use of chemical products:

• Half masks It covers (at least) only the lower part of the face (nose and mouth) and does not protect the eyes from irritants.
• Full face masks cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes) and are particularly suitable in toxic environments (such as chlorine or ammonia based products or nitrogenous fertilisers) that pose a potential danger to eye mucous membranes.
• Powered air-purifying respirators are more elaborate filtration devices. Their main advantage is the reduction in respiratory effort thanks to a motorized fan that delivers filtered air directly to the facepiece (full face mask or hood) via a looped hose. Therefore, this equipment is better for demanding, tiring and long-term work.

For effective respiratory protection and to filter out dust, particles, aerosols and organic compounds (alcohol, aromatic gasoline, benzene, butyl glycol, phenols, turpentine, trichloroethylene, etc.), provided that the phytosanitary products used are respected. A2-P3 We may choose to use a filter cartridge.

In addition to respiratory protection (mandatory) and to protect yourself against allergies or skin irritations when spraying phytosanitary products such as pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers, hazmat suiting is highly recommended.

Category 3, type 4 or type 5 clothing, whether disposable or reusable, resistant to aerosols and splashes of chemical or biological products, should be preferred; preferably made of polypropylene coated with a microporous film for its breathability and long-term operation.