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SPRAY MATERIALS ARE DANGEROUS IN FIRES I 



William J. Lord 

 Department of Plant and Soil Science 



Firemen were hospitalized due to inhalation of phosphate fumes and 

 smoke while fighting recent fires on two fruit farms. 



Hospital attendants failed to recognize phosphate poisoning and the 

 firemen were treated for smoke inhalation. 



Fortunately , the fire commissioner brought to the hospital, a copy 

 of an Extension Service Letter, which described phosphate poisoning and 

 proper atropine treatment. 



Otherwise , some firemen hiay have died. 



The above happened in Monroe County, New York ("Dangers to Firemen 

 When Spray Materials Burn" by Richard Norton, Monroe County Fruit Agent - 

 January issue of New York State Horticultural Society News Letter) . 



It Could Have Happened in Massachusetts I 



Here are some recommended steps for preventing it from happening: 



1. Inform your fire department officials of the chemical storage 

 and its contents before the emergency. 



2. Store the chemicals in one place, preferably in a structure sep- 

 arated from other buildings. 



3. Keep all chemical-containing buildings locked and inaccessible 

 to children and irresponsible persons. 



M^. Label all buildings containing chemicals as to their contents, 



5. The list of Poison Information Centers should be posted in a 

 conspicuous place, and make its presence known to the members 

 of your family and all employees . 



PESTICIDE SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 



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