How to Prevent Health Risks of Pesticide Exposure

How to Prevent Health Risks of Pesticide Exposure

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill organisms that can cause problems, such as insects, mice, and other pests. Pesticides come in many forms, such as sprays, powders, and pellets. They are often used in gardens, lawns, and farms. You may have contact with pesticides in your everyday life, such as on fruits and vegetables or in water. People who have the highest risk for health effects from pesticides are:

  • Children.
  • Pregnant women.
  • The elderly.

Each pesticide is different. You can become exposed by breathing in a spray or powder. Liquid or pellets may get on your skin or in your eyes. The health risks depend on:

  • How toxic the pesticide is.
  • How you are exposed.
  • How much you are exposed to.
  • How long you are exposed.

If you need to use a pesticide, read the package label to learn about the warnings and the safest way to use the pesticide.

What actions can I take to lower my risk?

To avoid pesticide exposure:

  • Do not use pesticides in your yard or home. Instead, get rid of pests in other ways:
    • Remove sources of water, food, or shelter that attract pests.
    • Use traps that do not require pesticides.
  • Consider buying organic foods.
  • Check your community’s water quality levels. If needed, take steps to filter your water or choose a different source of water.

If you do use pesticides, the following strategies can minimize the harmful impact of pesticides:

  • Before using the pesticide, read the label carefully and take all necessary safety precautions:
    • Wear gloves and a mask.
    • Remove all toys or other items that you frequently handle from the area.
    • Keep children and pets away from the area for a specific period of time.
  • Do not use pesticides on a windy day.
  • After using a pesticide:
    • Take a shower.
    • Wash your clothing separately from other clothing.
  • Store pesticides safely and securely, so children and pets cannot access them.

What can happen if changes are not made?

Exposure to pesticides can cause:

  • Poisoning or harm to your skin, eyes, and other body parts.
  • Developmental problems in infants, children, and unborn babies (fetuses).
  • Health problems and even death among elderly people.
  • Long-term (chronic) health problems such as:
    • Blindness.
    • Cancer.
    • Nervous system problems.
    • Respiratory system problems.
    • Endocrine system problems.

How is this treated?

Treatment for pesticide exposure varies based on the nature and severity of your symptoms:

  • Call the poison control center for additional first aid information (800-222-1222).
  • If your symptoms are mild, check the product label for first-aid directions.
  • If your symptoms are more severe or include difficulty breathing, involuntary movements (convulsions), or loss of consciousness, get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).

Where to find more information

You can find more information about preventing health risks of pesticide exposure from:

Summary

  • Pesticides can cause dangerous and even life-threatening health problems.
  • The best way to avoid exposure is to manage pests without pesticides. If you do use pesticides, take steps to apply them as safely as possible.
  • Children, pregnant women, and the elderly face the greatest threats from pesticide exposure.
  • Food and water can lead to pesticide exposure. Check your community’s water quality, or choose organic foods to minimize risks.
  • If you are exposed to pesticides, seek first aid or medical attention.
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