Chemicals and spray drift

Chemicals are sprayed to control pests and diseases on farms, around the home and in gardens, parks and reserves. When they are used, droplets are produced that can stay suspended in the air and be carried by wind away from the target area. This is known as ‘spray drift’.

Even when chemicals are applied correctly, spray drift cannot always be contained or controlled completely. Sprays may drift over neighboring properties or waterways and can affect human health, animals or the environment. Drift can also affect household and farm water supplies, including tank water.

If you are concerned that you or those around you may have been exposed to chemical spray drift, there are agencies you can contact for help. In an emergency, dial your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) to reach police, fire and ambulance services.

Activities that can cause spray drift#

Spray drift can result from a range of activities, including:

• spraying pesticides on farms, gardens and roadside reserves
• applying chemicals with tractors, boom sprayers or aircraft
• treating grain stores

Drifting chemicals can affect the public by causing direct exposure, as well as concerns about odor or general air pollution. The potential health impacts depend on factors such as the type of chemical and the duration of exposure.

If you come into contact with chemical sprays#

• Wash off any spray that has landed on your skin.
• Change into clean clothes.
• Contact your local poisons information centre or emergency number for urgent advice about treating any symptoms of poisoning.
• Contact your doctor if you are concerned about any effects on your health.
• Contact your local council’s environmental health officer for help with any further actions.

If the contact happened at your workplace, contact your local workplace health and safety authority. If you know which chemical you were exposed to, contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice and ask for a copy of the Safety Data Sheet for that chemical.

If you are concerned about wider effects#

If you think chemical sprays may be affecting public health, animals or the environment, you can seek information and assistance for situations such as:

• people being directly exposed to spray drift, or drift affecting private drinking water or vegetable gardens
• drift affecting livestock, agricultural crops or commercial organic produce
• workplace practices that may affect the health of workers or the public, onsite or on adjoining properties

Your workplace health and safety authority can investigate occupational health issues that arise from work activities, and your local council or environmental authority can advise on broader concerns.

Protecting tank water#

If you use tank water and chemical spray lands on your roof, disconnect the collection pipe from your rainwater tank to prevent chemicals from entering it. Divert water away from the tank until it has rained or the roof has been cleaned. If you think your tank has been contaminated, contact your local council’s environmental health officer for advice.

Before you spray#

Before spraying chemicals, you should consider:

• how close you are to sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, sensitive crops, waterways, livestock, organic farms and bee foraging areas
• giving prior notice to dwellings next to the property being sprayed, so neighbors can take preventative measures
• whether it is a suitable time to spray, as some pests are resistant to chemicals at certain times

Notification should include the type of chemical being used, the date and time, the steps taken to avoid spray drift, and a contact number.

Storing and disposing of chemicals#

Environmental contamination can occur if containers are not stored or disposed of correctly. When disposing of unwanted agricultural or veterinary chemicals and their containers, use an approved chemical collection or disposal service in your area. For advice about poisonings, suspected poisonings, bites and stings, mistakes with medicines and poisoning prevention, contact your local poisons information centre.

Where to get help#