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Region
Table 3. Use of using pictograms, 1990.
Countries
surveyed
groups. They also make widespread use of pictograms in road signs and
factory warnings. Moreover, many people do not read label instructions and
warnings before using chemicals. Developed country arrogance is suspected
in these cases, although once again the daunting task of changing legislation
is no doubt a factor.
Packaging
Pesticide containers provide a safety barrier between those handling the
container and its chemical contents. Container design has a major effect on
minimizing the risk of exposure in transferring the product to a spray tank.
Liquid agrochemical products usually present the most difficult packaging
problems and the greatest potential risk of exposure to the applicator.
Major changes in agrochemical packaging occurred during the 1980s and
further progress is expected during the 1990s. These developments are a result
of a number of factors:
Introduction of package-performance tests by the United Nations;
Introduction of high-activity and high-value pesticides leading to lower
application rates and smaller package sizes;
Advances in plastics and moulding technology; and
Collaboration within the industry to improve user safety and convenience
and product shelf-life.
Changes in small packages for the small-scale farmer have probably had the
greatest impact on safety. In the past, most small containers were glass or tin
plate: the former were too fragile and had narrow necks that caused spattering
during pouring; the latter dented easily and had leaky seams and a metal insert
under the cap, which was difficult and often hazardous to pry out. Both
materials were severely limiting in terms of design flexibility. Furthermore,
people frequently used the caps as measures. Although the common plastics
(high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene) offered
163
Countries using pictograms
No. %
Africa 26 26 100
Middle East 15 14 93
Far East and Australasia 17 13 76
Latin America 20 12 60
Europe 16 1 6
North America 2 0 -
Total 96 66 69