Pesticide Storage Storing pesticides properly protects human and animal health, safeguards wells and surface waters, and prevents unauthorized access to hazardous chemicals. Proper pesticide storage and inventory practices will prolong the shelf-life of pesticides and make it easier to track your pesticide usage so that you can plan purchases for future years.
Reducing the amount of pesticide you store lowers the risk of chemical fires, explosions, or spills that contaminate well water, surface water or the soil. Make every effort to limit storage by buying only the amount of pesticide that you need for a specific job or for the current growing season. Where available, purchase pesticides in refillable containers that can be returned to your pesticide dealership.
The pesticide label is the best guide to storage requirements for every product. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides additional information on normal appearance and odor as well as flash point, fire control recommendations, boiling point, and solubility. Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets for most pesticides are available on-line at http://www.cdms.net and http://www.greenbook.net
REFERENCES CITED:
Store Pesticides Safely, Pesticide Information Program Information Sheet, PIP-37. R.G. Bellinger. Sept. 2001. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/saftyed/PIP37sto.pdf.
Pesticide Storage Facilities, FS603. G. M. Ghidiu and G. C. Hamilton. Aug. 2001. Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension.
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler