FACTS

1. Landscapers risk skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion of pesticides and herbicides, leading to acute or chronic health issues.
2. Incorrect handling or mixing of chemicals can result in dangerous reactions or overexposure, posing health risks to workers and the environment.
3. Pesticides and herbicides can drift during application or run off into nearby water sources, causing environmental contamination and potential harm to non-target species.
4. Failure to use appropriate PPE increases the risk of chemical exposure, leading to skin irritation, respiratory problems, or more severe health effects.
5. Improper storage or disposal of chemicals can lead to accidental spills, leaks, or contamination, posing hazards to workers and the environment.
6. Insufficient training in the safe handling and application of chemicals can result in misuse, increasing the risk of exposure and environmental harm.

STATS

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pesticide-related illnesses among workers account for an average of 1,800 cases annually in the U.S. from 2018 to 2022.
• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 12% of reported pesticide exposure incidents in 2022 involved landscaping professionals.
• Health Canada data from 2021 shows that improper handling of pesticides contributed to 15% of occupational chemical exposure incidents.
• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that pesticide residues were detected in 45% of surface water samples tested near urban landscaping areas in 2020.
• A 2021 study by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) found that 25% of landscaping workers lacked proper training in handling hazardous chemicals.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stated that landscaping companies implementing proper chemical handling training programs reduced pesticide-related incidents by 30% in 2020.