Fact Sheets and Other Pesticide Information

Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

PDF Version

How do pesticides enter the body?

Oral Exposure: From the intake or absorption of a pesticide through the mouth.

Inhalation Exposure: From breathing in pesticide vapors, dust, or spray particles.

Dermal Exposure: From the absorption of a pesticide into the skin.

Did You Know?

• Deaths from occupational exposure to pesticides are unusual.
• Children under 10 years old represent 50 percent of the accidental deaths by pesticides!
• Nearly all pesticide deaths are caused by eating or drinking the product!
• About 90 percent of the exposure that a pesticide user receives is dermal! Thoughtfulness and use of appropriate clothing will reduce pesticide exposure.

Tips For Safe and Knowledgeable Pesticide Use

• Wear all protective clothing and equipment listed on the label, such as long-sleeved shirt and pants, chemical-resistant gloves and boots, eyeware, etc.
  
  
• Avoid wearing soft contact lenses when working with pesticides. Soft contact lenses may absorb pesticide vapors from the air and hold them against your eyes.
  
  
• Use all pesticides in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes.
  
  
• Do not eat, drink or use tobacco when working with pesticides, because trace amounts of chemicals may be transferred from hand to mouth.
  
  
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pesticides and before using the toilet or eating.
  
  
• Always avoid unnecessary exposure to pesticides. Be especially careful to keep children, pregnant women, sensitive individuals and pets away from areas where pesticides are being or have recently been applied.
  
  
• Don't spray on a windy day when spray could drift onto you, your neighbors, or into your neighbor's yard.
  
  
• Examine the area to be treated and the surrounding area. Are there plants or animals that could be harmed by the pesticide? Don't spray if you cannot guarantee they will not be injured. You are responsible for any damage that could occur.
  
  
• Store pesticides out of reach of children (preferably in a locked storage area). Always store pesticides in their original container along with their label.

Symptoms Associated with Pesticide Poisoning

Early symptoms include: fatigue, headache, nausea, and dizziness
Severe symptoms include: sweating, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision

• Pesticide poisoning symptoms may be similar to other illnesses caused by heat exhaustion, food poisoning, asthma, or infectious disease. The pattern of symptoms is important in diagnosing the cause.
• DO NOT allow yourself or anyone else to become dangerously ill before seeking medical assistance. It is better to be too cautious than too late!

Treatment Of Pesticide Poisoning

• Contact your local emergency room, hospital, or ambulance.
• Read the product label for first aid instructions.
• DO NOT assume that you should induce vomiting; read the label first.
• Give the product label and any vomitous to the doctor to aid in diagnosing the problem.

Urbana, Illinois
August, 1996

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of agriculture. DENNIS R. CAMPION, Interim Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Illinois Cooperative Extension Service provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. The information provided in this publication is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names do not constitute an endorsement by the University of Illinois and does not imply discrimination against other similar products.

Prepared by Bruce Paulsrud, Extension Specialist. Department of Crop Sciences.