How to Launder Clothes Exposed to Pesticides

The safe and proper cleaning of pesticide applicator clothing has become more of a concern as an increasingly wide array of pesticide chemicals becomes available to applicators. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

Use Protective Clothing Specified on Label - The first step in safely maintaining a clean applicator clothing is to avoid any contamination whenever possible. Some products bear statements of required or recommended protective clothing. Sometimes nozzling and other application directions are also aimed at minimizing applicator exposure - thus reducing laundering hazards.

Read The Label - Be sure to thoroughly read the pesticide label(s) before selecting and applying pesticides. Use key words on the pesticide label as a guide to toxicity; the Words Danger, Poison indicate a highly toxic/concentrated pesticide; Warning indicates a moderately toxic pesticide , Caution indicates a slightly toxic pesticide. Look for and read Hazard statements.

Wearing Clean Clothing...is Essential.

Have a Laundering Procedure à Warn launderers of pesticide use. Be aware when and what pesticides are being used so that clothing can be appropriately laundered. Wash clothing daily to avoid excessive residues and possible interaction hazards.

Discard Spill Clothing à Have disposable safety clothing available for emergency spills. Discard heavily contaminated clothing.

Segregate by Hazard and Type à Handle clothing contaminated with highly toxic and concentrated pesticides most carefully, as these pesticides are easily absorbed through the skin. To prevent pesticide absorption into the body, always wear rubber gloves when handling contaminated clothing.

Clothes contaminated moderately toxic pesticides may not warrant the measures noted above. Hazards are less pronounced when handling clothing exposed to low toxicity pesticides. Laundering clothing exposed to one pesticide separately from clothing exposed to other kinds of pesticides.

Prerinse/Presoaking à Prerinse clothing by: 1) presoaking in a suitable container, 2) agitating in an automatic washer, or 3) spraying/hosing the garment(s) outdoors.

Detergent Selection à Laundry detergents , whether phosphate, carbonate or heavy-duty liquid are similarly effective in removing pesticides from fabric. Heavy-duty liquid detergents are more effective in removing emulsifiable concentrate pesticide formulations.

Laundry additives such as bleach and ammonia do not contribute to removing pesticide residues.

Wash/Rewash Procedure à Wash only a few contaminated garment at a time, using lots of water. Use washing machine settings for hot water (140 degrees F, 60 degrees C), full water level and normal wash cycle (12 minutes).

Avoid cold water washing . Rewash the contaminated clothing two or three times, if necessary. Rinse machine thoroughly after laundering contaminated clothing. Line dry whenever possible. Line dry to avoid contaminated dryers.

Summary à Wearing clean clothing daily is essential when handling and applying pesticides. Select pesticides carefully and follow label precautions and directions. Sometimes safety clothing is required and should be worn. Have a contingency plan and safety kit (disposable safety clothing, respirator, gloves, plastic bags, lime or other absorbent, etc.) for emergency spills and accidents. Establish a laundry procedure for applicator clothing. Avoid unnecessary exposure. Segregate contaminate clothing and store from the unwary until laundered.

Use best available practices in laundering pesticide applicator clothing. Keep clean clothing away from pesticides, pesticide containers and application equipment.

Reprinted from PLCAA Prosource, 1225 Johnson Ferry Road, N.E. B-220, Marietta, GA. 30068 (404) 977-5222