Accidents happen in the garden, and getting a chemical like Roundup on your skin is a common concern. Knowing what to do if you get Roundup on your skin is crucial for your immediate safety and peace of mind. This guide walks you through the exact steps to take right away.
Roundup is a widely used herbicide, and its active ingredient is glyphosate. While designed for plants, it can cause irritation or other issues for people. The key is to act quickly and calmly. Don’t panic—just follow these simple, effective steps.
What To Do If You Get Roundup On Your Skin
Immediate action is your best defense. The goal is to remove the herbicide from your skin as fast as possible to minimize exposure. Here is your step-by-step plan for those first critical moments.
Step 1: Stop What You’re Doing
As soon as you feel the spray or liquid on your skin, stop gardening. Put down the sprayer or container. This prevents you from spreading the chemical to other areas, like your face or clothes.
Step 2: Remove Contaminated Clothing
Take off any clothing that has the product on it. Be careful not to pull garments over your head if they are contaminated, as this can spread it. Cut the clothing off if you need to.
Step 3: Rinse Skin Immediately
Get to a water source right away. Use a garden hose, outdoor tap, or go indoors to a sink. Begin rinsing the affected skin with large amounts of cool, running water. Do this for a full 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use cool water, not hot. Hot water can open pores and increase absorption.
- Don’t scrub hard with a brush; gentle rinsing is best to avoid skin abrasions.
- If you got it on your face, be careful to rinse with your eyes closed, tilting your head to the side.
Step 4: Wash Gently With Soap
After the long rinse, wash the area thoroughly with a mild soap and more cool water. Plain dish soap or a dedicated hand cleanser works well. Rinse completely again to remove all soap residue.
Step 5: Dry and Monitor
Pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel. Do not reuse the towel without washing it. Over the next several days, watch the area closely for any signs of a reaction.
What Not to Do
- Do not use chemical cleansers or solvents like bleach or gasoline on your skin.
- Avoid using harsh, abrasive scrubs that could damage the skin barrier.
- Don’t delay rinsing to find the “perfect” soap; water first is most important.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most minor skin contacts are managed with thorough washing. However, you should get medical help in certain situations. Contact a doctor or poison control if you experience:
- Severe skin irritation, blistering, or a rash that spreads.
- You got Roundup in your eyes and irritation persists after rinsing.
- You accidentally swallowed the product.
- You feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache after significant skin exposure.
- A large area of your body was covered, like your entire arm or leg.
Understanding the Risks of Skin Contact
Glyphosate-based herbicides are formulated to be low in toxicity to humans, but they are still chemicals. The main risk from brief skin contact is irritation, which can look like redness, itching, or a mild burn. People with sensitive skin or allergies may react more strongly.
Prolonged or repeated contact is more concerning than a one-time splash. That’s why wearing protective gear is so vital. Always check the product label for its specific first aid instructions, as formulations can vary.
Essential Protective Gear for Safe Spraying
Prevention is always better than cure. The right gear creates a barrier between you and the herbicide. Here’s what you should wear every time you use Roundup or similar products.
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of a durable material.
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene are good; avoid latex).
- Safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from drift.
- Closed-toe shoes and socks.
- A mask or respirator if you are spraying for a long time or in an enclosed area.
Change your clothes as soon as you’re done spraying and wash them separately from your regular laundry. This simple habit prevents trace chemicals from lingering on your everyday clothes.
Handling Contaminated Clothing and Gear
Your work doesn’t end when you put the sprayer away. Properly cleaning your gear is a key safety step. Contaminated clothing needs special handling to avoid secondary exposure.
- Wash contaminated clothes separately from other household laundry.
- Use a heavy-duty detergent and the warmest water safe for the fabric.
- Run a second rinse cycle to ensure all residues are gone.
- Clean your gloves and goggles with soap and water after each use.
If you spill concentrate on your clothes, it may be safest to discard them. Check the product label for specific guidance on cleaning materials.
First Aid Supplies for Your Garden Shed
Keep a simple first aid kit in your gardening area. It allows you to act instantly. Your garden first aid kit should include:
- A large bottle of clean water for immediate rinsing.
- Mild liquid soap.
- Clean towels or paper towels.
- Sealable plastic bags (for contaminated items).
- A list of emergency numbers, including Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Having these items on hand means you won’t waste a second searching for them. A few minutes of preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.
Long-Term Skin Care After Exposure
After you’ve washed the area, your skin might feel dry or slightly irritated. You can help it recover. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the area once or twice a day. This helps restore the skin’s natural barrier.
If a mild rash develops, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with itching. Keep the area covered from the sun, as it might be more sensitive. If any symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs: Roundup and Skin Safety
What happens if Roundup touches your skin?
For most people, a brief touch causes no immediate symtoms. With longer contact, it can cause irritation, redness, or a rash. The risk is higher with the concentrated form than the ready-to-use spray.
How long does it take for Roundup to absorb into skin?
Absorption is relatively slow, but it begins within minutes. This is why immediate and thorough washing is so effective—it removes the chemical before a significant amount can be absorbed.
Can you wash Roundup off skin with just water?
Yes, copious water is the first and most critical step. You should use soap afterward for a complete clean, but starting the water rinse immediately is the priority. Don’t wait to find soap.
Is dried Roundup on skin still dangerous?
Dried residue can still be irritating and should be washed off. It may be less likely to absorb deeply, but it can flake off and be inhaled or get into your eyes, so gentle washing is still recommended.
What should I do if I get herbicide in my eyes?
Immediately hold your eyelid open and rinse with cool, gently running water for 15-20 minutes. Seek medical advice afterward, as eye exposure can be serious. Contact lenses should be removed if possible, but don’t let that delay rinsing.
Gardening is a rewarding hobby, and using tools like herbicides responsibly keeps it safe. By knowing these immediate steps and focusing on prevention, you can handle accidents confidently and get back to enjoying your garden. Always store products in their original containers out of reach of children and pets, and follow the label instructions carefully every single time.