SAS Urban Survival Handbook (44 page)

WARNING

Never experiment with poisons – only use as instructed. NEVER mix products together to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ – you may kill a lot more than two birds. NEVER NEVER NEVER decant pesticides into other containers. In some countries, including the UK, this is prohibited by law.

Poisoning

Many pesticides involve a solvent as a ‘carrier’, confusing the symptoms of poisoning (see
Solvents in the home
). Immediate risks are skin and eye irritation. All the main routes to the system are open to pesticides, though.
Inhalation
is common, of the mist when spraying, or of dust in dry chemicals. Tastes in the mouth and nasal irritation are early warning signs that you SHOULD be wearing a mask.

Ingestion
may be accidental or deliberate—or even a gradual process involving hand-to-mouth contact (eating/ drinking/smoking while working) or incomplete washing of the hands and fingernails. Wear gloves! Pesticides may also enter the system if they have been deposited on or assimilated into fruits and vegetables.

Absorption is also highly possible. Don’t wait for skin irritation to signal danger. You may not feel skin discomfort until you have been using a product for some time. Cover all skin—especially the hands and arms.

The legacy

Some pesticides are known to persist—but research may take many years to reach definite conclusions. It is certain there may be long-term effects to the planet, to animals and to man, in terms of disease and other toxic effects. 2, 4, 5-T has now been withdrawn or banned in many countries, because of links with birth defects and cancer. Even a new-born baby has traces (in the fatty tissues) of the now-withdrawn and banned DDT.

Disposal

Never pour chemicals, particularly pesticides, down any drain (sink, lavatory or street). They should NOT be introduced into rivers, streams or the sea. If they enter your septic tank, they may kill off the necessary bacteria there.

If you have more than a ‘little’ to dispose of or are unsure about disposing of unfinished packets, cans and bottles, get in contact with your local authority—or environmental concern groups—for their advice.

Using safely

• ◑ Don’t mix pesticides.
  
• ◑ Don’t store in the wrong containers.
  
• ◑ Keep children and animals away from treated areas.
  
• ◑ Only spray
  what
  you need to,
  where
  you need to and
  when
  you need to.
  
• ◑ Keep the spray aimed where you need it—ALWAYS using a coarse spray, NOT a fine mist.
  
• ◑ Spray gardens early morning or late evening when few pollinating insects (or the birds that eat them) are about.
  
• ◑ Don’t spray in a breeze or wind. Spray drift may do damage. Protect yourself.
  
• ◑ Always wash all exposed skin after using.
  
• ◑ Don’t eat, drink or smoke until you have washed.
  
• ◑ Gloves should be in good condition and washable or disposable. Aborbent and damaged gloves may present a long-term health hazard.
  
• ◑ Always wash out spray equipment and watering can to avoid contamination. If you can keep separate equipment for pesticide, it would be sensible.
  
• ◑ Always wear goggles and a breathing mask when spraying, or mixing dry ingredients.
  

First aid

Acute poisoning is rare—but if chemicals are breathed in or swallowed, the casualty should be observed. If there are any effects—particularly in a child—medical attention should be sought.
Refer back to EMERGENCY! panel for treatment details. Skin contact 1, 2 or 3
(Don’t forget to wash your scalp/hair)
Eye contact 2

REMEMBER

If you use pesticides regularly – perhaps as part of your work – you MUST protect yourself from constant exposure to the toxins. A regular medical check-up would be sensible to ensure you are not suffering long-term effects. Some pesticides may contain mercury or arsenic compounds or other cumulative poisons (which collect in you system).

WARNING

Sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate weedkillers are explosive – particularly in the dry state. They may explode or cause fire if dropped or shaken violently. Both are highly toxic – swallowing either of these may be followed by abdominal pain, confusion and convulsions. A surprisingly small amount may kill. Call an ambulance immediately, if a child appears to have swallowed some.

Paraquat is a very common weedkiller. It is often used very casually – but is highly toxic if swallowed.

FERTILIZERS

Many fertilizers for plants should be mixed, applied and stored with the same caution as for pesticides. Many are poisonous. Particular caution should be used with nitrate fertilizers, which are considered to be a major hazard to the environment. They are a danger in domestic water and ‘over-fertilized’ fruits and vegetables. They become toxic in the body (as nitrites) and may be linked to some cancers.

POISONOUS PLANTS

You may come across poisonous plants in domestic gardes, parks and growing ‘wild’ on verges—in some cases you might choose one as an ‘indoor’ plant. Toxic effects range from skin irritation to death. Many of these plants maybe attractive to children.

The amount of physical harm caused by these plants will depend largely on the age and general health of the casualty. It also depends on the toxicity of the plant and the sensitivity of the individual. Always seek medical attention if there is any doubt—especially if you think a child has swallowed a harmful substance. Take a sample of the ‘poison’ with you.

The following group of plants not only illustrates the amazing diversity of poisonous plants, but also represents some of the most common hazards.

ARUM FAMILY
Araceae

Irritant poisons, causing burning pains in the throat and stomach, thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shock.

1 ▶ Flamingo flower
(Pigtail plant)
Anthurium scherzerianum
Native to Central America, also a houseplant. Perennial, with dark-green lance-shaped leaves and scarlet spathes with goldenyellow spires at their centres. Height: 30-45 cm (12-18 in).
All parts are poisonous.
Other anthurium species are also poisonous.

2 ▶ Cuckoo-pint
(Wake robin/Lords and ladies/Adam and Eve)
Arum maculatum
Native to temperate regions, in hedges, woods and ditches. Tuberous-rooted and herbaceous, with hooded spathes and bright red fruits, which are very attractive to children. Height: 30-38 cm (12-15 in).
All parts are poisonous, especially the berries. Can be FATAL.
Other arum species also poisonous.

3 ▶ Angel’s wings
(Elephant’s ears)
Caladium x hortulanum
Hybrid developed from tropical American species, now a common houseplant. A tuberous-rooted tropical perennial with large wing-like leaves in many rich colours. Height: 23-38 cm (9-15 in).
All parts poisonous.

4 ▶ Dumb cane
(Leopard lily/Spotted dumb cane)
Dieffenbachia maculata
Native to tropical South America and common as a garden ornamental and a houseplant. An evergreen perennial with large colourful leaves in various colours and patterns. Height: 45-120 cm (18-47 in).
All parts poisonous, especially the sap. In contact with mouth, it can render people speechless for several hours. Also avoid contact with the eyes.
Other dieffenbachia species also poisonous.

5 ▶ Dasheen
(Eddo/Taro)
Colocasia esculenta
Native to Java, a garden ornamental and a food plant. It is a cormous-rooted perennial, with large arum-like leaves. Height: 90-180 cm (35-71 in).
All parts poisonous if eaten raw, especially corms
. Tubers are edible if properly cooked.

6 ▶ Malanga
(Tannia/Tanyah/Yautia)
Xanthosoma saggittifolium
Native to the West Indies and an ornamental in southern US. Also a food plant. Tuberous-rooted perennial with large arum-like leaves. Height 75-120 cm (30-48 in).
All parts poisonous, especially uncooked tubers.

7 ▶ Swiss cheese plant
(Breadfruit vine/ Cheese plant/Fruit salad plant/Window plant)
Monstera deliciosa
Native to Mexico and Central America and a houseplant. This evergreen climber has large glossy leaves with holes, creamy-yellow arum-like flowers and greenish-white club-shaped fruits. Height: 1.8-6 m (6-20 ft).
All parts poisonous, although the fruits are edible if overripe.

ARALIA FAMILY
Araliaceae

Irritant poisons, causing burning pains in the throat and stomach, thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shock.

8 ▶ Common ivy
(English ivy)
Hedera helix
Native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, as well as being naturalized in North America. Common garden ornamental and a houseplant. Woody evergreen climber with dark-green lobed leaves and green flowers. Height: up to 30 m (98 ft).
All parts are poisonous, especially the berries.