Symptoms of Pesticide Exposure
Pesticides can result in skin, eye, or throat irritation. Redness or rashes are the most common poisoning symptoms. Some surfactants in herbicides are similar to soaps and can irritate or damage eyes. Read labels and wear noted PPE (gloves, protective eyewear, respirators, etc.) to protect skin and eyes, and prevent inhalation.
Many insecticides work on the human nervous system the same way they do on insects; it’s the dose that makes the poison. They can enter through eyes or skin or by ingestion or inha- lation. Read labels for PPE (gloves, protective eyewear, coveralls, respirators, etc.). Neurotoxic insecticides include organophosphates and car- bamates, and the symptoms of acute poisoning develop within minutes to hours after exposure. Most commonly reported early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, sweating, salivation, tearing, and nasal discharge. Muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination, vomiting, ab- dominal cramps and diarrhea signal more severe poisoning.
Emergency First Aid Basics — Reference the Pesticide Label
Good hygiene is important to reduce exposures. Wash your hands and face when done with a task, and shower at the end of the day. Wear clean clothes and new / clean PPE each day. Wash contaminated clothing separate from the family laundry.
Call the National Poison Center at 1-800-222- 1222 for emergency information if an exposure occurs; they are staffed 24-hours a day. The person answering your call will refer you to the nearest hospital handling pesticide poisonings.
Steps if Exposure Has Occurred
- Reduce the exposure immediately when it occurs.
- Remove contaminated clothing, wash the affected area, then put on clean clothes.
- Move to fresh air when pesticides are in your air space.
- Rinse eye for 15 minutes if material enters the eye.
- If breathing stops, the most important first aid is artificial respiration. Make sure first responders take care to avoid exposure while performing first aid.
- Never try to give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Lastly, another resource for getting answers to questions about safety issues related to pesticides is the National Pesticide Information Center, http://npic.orst.edu/, or call 1-800-858-7378 between 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. You can always email them as well at npic@ace.orst.edu.