Pesticides at Home
A pesticide is a substance that kills or controls unwanted pests. These include
insects, weeds, fungi, mice, or bacteria. Types of pesticides include:
disinfectants
fungicides
herbicides
insecticides
plant growth regulators
rodenticides
What is the information for this topic?
Pesticides are poisonous. In order to use them safely in the home,
it is important to know as much about them as possible.
Choosing a pesticide The most common types
of pesticides used in the home come in the following forms:
aerosols, such as home interior sprays for ants
baits, such as ant traps
dusts or grains
other products, such as flea collars for pets
powders that can be mixed with fluid
solutions
Certain pesticides are effective against a wide range of pests. Others target
only a few. Some products are more toxic than others.
When choosing pesticides, a person should:
consider where in the home it is to be used
find out if any other animal in the area could be affected by the use of
the pesticide
know how long the active ingredient used in the pesticide will last
know what pest a product is recommended for
learn which forms are the most effective and least toxic for the pest
Pesticides are poisons. They may 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 hazardousPreparing and
using a pesticide
Before using a pesticide, a person should read the product label carefully.
When preparing or using a pesticide, a person should:
be aware that the more poison absorbed, the greater the risk of injury
keep the area well-ventilated
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
cover all kitchen appliances and eating surfaces to keep the poison from
being consumed accidentally
avoid eating or smoking while using the product
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.
Storing a pesticide
Pesticides should never be stored in household containers. They could be
consumed accidentally. Stored pesticide should be labeled carefully with large
writing in waterproof ink.
Symptoms of pesticide exposure
Symptoms of pesticide poisoning vary, depending on the organ system and type of
pesticide. Some examples include:
fatigue,
drowsiness, or headache if the nervous system is attacked
itching, tearing, or blurred vision of the eyes when they are involved
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when the stomach or intestines
are poisoned
redness, stinging, itching, or blistering of the skin when it is
exposed
runny nose if the lining of the nose or throat is affected
shortness of breath
and rapid breathing if a pesticide is inhaled
In extreme cases of pesticide poisoning, a person may be
unable to breath or move. This paralysis is the way many insecticides kill
bugs.
First aid for pesticide exposure
If poisoning is suspected, the following actions should be taken:
scrub any exposed skin areas immediately with soap and water
flush involved eyes continuously with water from the sink or hose for at
least 15 minutes
avoid eye medicines or eye drops, as these may interact with the
pesticide
remove all contaminated clothing if burns have occurred
avoid ointments, greases, or powders that may interact with the
pesticide
bring the person to a well-ventilated area away from the poison
If the person is unconscious, contact the
emergency medical services right away. If a pesticide was swallowed
and the person is awake, call the poison control center right away. Rinse the
mouth thoroughly with water. Staff at the poison control center may recommend
drinking plenty of water or milk to dilute the pesticide. Never make the person
vomit unless specifically instructed to do so.
After initial help is given, medical care should be sought immediately. Any new
or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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