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Pesticide Residues in Cotton and Polyester Garments Worn While Applying Pesticides

By Ryan Adams
 
Understanding safe pesticide use is critical in the protection of pesticide handlers, not just during the mixing, loading, and application of chemicals, but also to any residues in their clothing after application. In the United States, EPA relies on basic work wear and cotton or cotton/polyester coveralls to protect a handler’s skin to pesticide exposure. Of 1,868 pesticide labels analyzed in 2012, approximately 85 percent required a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and 15 percent required coveralls.
 
Cooperative Extension Pesticide Education Programs provide training and certification for pesticide applicators. The importance of safe and judicious use of pesticides in protecting people and the environment is an integral part of the training. Pesticide safety educators who are actively engaged in NC-170 projects provide the link between research and extension. NC-170 conducted laundering studies in the 80’s and early 90’s. Since then, research has been limited. During that same time, there have been significant changes in the composition of detergents (phosphate-based detergents are no longer used), washing machines, and wash conditions. Limited information is available on whether the residue levels remaining in the garment after washing are of concern, and recommended washing procedures for reusable garments need to be updated.
 
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is collaborating with institutions in France and Brazil to conduct laboratory studies on decontamination/laundering that are of mutual interest. UMES and the Pesticide Safety Education Program will conduct wear studies to determine the residue levels in garments worn by handlers during routine pesticide applications and the potential of the residue being transferred as a result of rubbing and perspiration. The potential impact of these studies is the development of updated laundering information for pesticide safety education programs.
 

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Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.