US Army, PESTICIDES IN THE MILITARY, SUBCOURSE MD0173, Survival Medical Manual

US Army, PESTICIDES IN THE MILITARY, SUBCOURSE MD0173, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
Pesticides are nothing new. Various pesticides, such as lead arsenate, nicotine
compounds, and others, have been in use for years. It is even thought that Marco Polo brought pyrethrum, the active ingredient in most aerosol insecticides, back to Europe after his trip to the Orient. The widespread use of synthetic pesticides, however, did not occur until after World War II. DDT, whose insecticidal properties were first recognized in 1939, was used by U.S. military forces during the war with great success. For the first time in our military history, the individual carried an effective delousing agent with him as a normal part of his paraphernalia. DDT also played an important role in the postwar civil affairs program, as our occupation forces assisted in the rehabilitation of devastated areas.

Today the Army possesses a formidable array of pesticides, most of which are
synthetic (man-made). The pesticides available for use by the environmental health
technician include compounds having a wide range of toxicity, some being lethal to man in milligram dosages while others may be tolerated in moderate amounts without fatal results. The wide variety of toxic agents available offers considerable selectivity in choosing a pesticide which will achieve the desired result against a target pest while having only limited effects against beneficial insects or other animal life.

In order to intelligently and effectively employ the pesticides available,
environmental health technicians and engineer personnel must understand the
principles of toxicology and know the toxicity of the various pesticides. They must also know the classes of pesticides and the proper use of each. In addition, they should know how to calculate and mix pesticide formulations and be familiar with the various means of dispersal. Finally, they should be aware of the necessary safety precautions in the use of military pesticides. It is the objective of this subcourse to provide the necessary competence in these areas.

Subcourse Components:
This subcourse consists of four lessons and an examination. The lessons are:
Lesson 1, Introduction to Pesticides.
Lesson 2, Pesticide Mixing and Calculations. MD0173 iv
Lesson 3, Pesticide Safety.
Lesson 4, Hazard Communication Program.