|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
pesticides at home Alternative Names
pesticide risks in the home, pesticide risks
Definition
A pesticide is a substance that kills or controls pests like insects, weeds, fungi, mice, or bacteria. These are all examples of unwanted pests that can invade a home. Types of pesticides include: - insecticides
- herbicides
- fungicides
- rodenticides
- disinfectants
- plant growth regulators
Pesticides are poisonous. In order to use them safely in the home it is important to know as much about these products as possible.
What is the information for this topic?
The most common types of pesticides used in the home come in the form of: - solutions
- aerosols, such as home interior sprays for ants
- dusts or grains
- baits, such as ant traps
- powders that can be mixed with fluid
- other products, such as flea collars for pets
Certain pesticides are effective against a wide range of pests. Others target only a few. Some products are more toxic than others, especially when used in certain areas of the home, such as a kitchen or child's room.
When choosing pesticides, a person should: - learn which forms are the most effective and least toxic for the problem
- know what pest a product is recommended for and consider where in the home it is to be used
- know how long the active ingredient used in the pesticide will last when used
- find out if any other plant or animal in the area could be affected by the use of the pesticide
Because pesticides are poisons, they can be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Signal words on the product label indicate how poisonous a pesticide is: - "danger" - highly poisonous
- "warning" - moderately poisonous
- "caution" - least hazardous
Before using a pesticide, a person should read the product label carefully. It is important to know how to prepare, use, store, and dispose of any pesticide safely.
When preparing or using a pesticide, a person should: - be aware that the more poison absorbed, the greater the risk of injury. Generally, the longer the exposure, the more likely poisoning is to occur. The most common cause of pesticide poisoning is absorption through the skin.
- try to keep the area well-ventilated, especially when preparing a pesticide
- wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, rubber gloves, goggles, and a respirator
- keep children and pets away until the active ingredient is no longer harmful. Some rodent or insect bait containers may look like toys to children and pets. Poisoning can occur if a child or pet mistakenly picks up these containers or plays with them.
- cover all kitchen appliances and eating surfaces to keep pesticide residue from being consumed accidentally
- not smoke. The active ingredient can be carried from hand to mouth. Some pesticides and the delivery system used, like sprays, can be flammable.
- pour kitty litter or sawdust over a spill of liquid pesticide to absorb it safely, then sweep it away
When storing pesticides, never put them in household containers or empty soft drink bottles. They could be consumed accidentally. Stored pesticide should be labeled carefully with large writing in waterproof ink. After using a pesticide, a person should thoroughly clean hair, body, and clothes. Clothing should be washed separately to keep the pesticide from coming in contact with other clothes.
It is important to know what to do in case of an emergency. The best time to learn this is before a pesticide is used. Signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning can range from skin reactions to more intense physical symptoms. For example, pesticide poisoning to the skin can cause redness, swelling, stinging, itching, or blistering. A runny nose is often seen if the delicate lining of the nose, mouth, or throat is affected. If poisoning occurs through contact with the eyes, the most common symptoms are itching, swelling, tearing, or blurred vision.
Internal symptoms of poisoning depend on which organs are involved. Sometimes, more than one organ system can be affected. Poisoning through inhalation causes shortness of breath, an increase in coughed-up mucous and other substances, or rapid breathing. When the stomach or intestines are poisoned, a person may experience nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhoea. When the nervous system is attacked, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, loss of sensation, or even muscle twitching may occur. In extreme cases of pesticide poisoning, a person may be unable to breath or move. This is the way many insecticides kill bugs.
If poisoning is suspected, the following actions should be taken: - contact with the skin should be flushed immediately with soap and water
- eyes should be flushed continuously with water from the sink or hose for at least 15 minutes
- eye medications or eyedrops should not be used as these may interact with the pesticide
- all contaminated clothing should be removed if burns have occurred and the skin should be flushed with water right away
- ointments, greases, powders, or other medications should not be applied to the skin as these may interact with any remaining pesticide
- bring any person suspected of inhaling a pesticide to a well-ventilated area away from the poison
- if the person is unconscious, emergency medical services should be obtained by calling 000.
- if a pesticide was swallowed and the person is awake, someone should call the poison control centre right away. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. A person may be encouraged by the poison control centre to drink plenty of water or milk to dilute the pesticide. Never make the person vomit unless specifically instructed to do so on the pesticide warning label or by the poison control centre.
After initial help is given, medical care should be sought immediately.
Author: Linda Agnello, RN, BSN
Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel
Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia
Last Updated: 1/10/2001
Contributors
Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
